Kansas City, MO – A day after her performance brought her conference honors, Patriots goalie Olivia McCarrell can add another accolade to her resume as she was named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday.  McCarrell had a pivotal role in UC's two wins on the week, including a 17-6 win over seventh-ranked Siena Heights.
 
The sophomore opened the week helping Cumberlands close out their first road trip of the season with  seven saves and scooped a career-high seven ground balls against the seventh-ranked Saints.  McCarrell made a trio of third quarter saves as the Patriots went on a 5-2 run to blow the game open.  The sophomore also held the Siena Heights scoreless in the opening quarter as the Patriots jumped out to a 3-0 lead.
 
The Seymour, TN native followed that up with a season-high eight saves, seven ground balls, and a pair of caused turnovers in the Patriots 16-4 win over St. Andrews.  McCarrell limited the Knights offense and made four saves during the second quarter as the Patriots took an 8-2 lead into the break.  McCarrell has made 22 saves so far this season and has post a .512 save percentage.

McCarrell's seven ground balls in a game are tied for fourth most in program history.  The reigning NAIA All-American is currently sixth in the NAIA in save percentage (51.2%) and ground balls (18).
 
Cumberlands has opened the season 3-1 and has outscored their opponents 88-23 so far this year.
 
The Patriots will return to the field Saturday, March 5, when they host (RV) Missouri Baptist.  First draw is set for noon.
 
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