NAIA Coaches' Poll - 1

Kansas City, MO – For the first regular season NAIA Coaches' Poll in 2022, the Patriots earn their highest ranking in program history, at #17, garnering 227 points. Cumberlands moves up five spots from their preseason ranking of 22. This marks the sixth straight poll, UC has been mentioned in, dating back to April 7, 2021.

The previous, highest ranking in the program came last season at #21. The upward trajectory of the Patriots in the polls started back in 2020 when the team got their name in the rankings for the first time in almost two decades.  This success has come under the leadership of fifth year Head Coach Bailey Dillender, who now has over 100 wins for UC.

"I am proud of our program and the growth we have achieved in just a few short years, but definitely not satisfied," said Dillender. "We have built this with the intentions of sustainability, and long-term success."

This season, Cumberlands has posted a 14-8 overall record and 3-3 in Mid-South Conference play. In those 22 games, UC has faced eight teams who are currently ranked in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, including three teams in the top-10.

As a team, the Patriots are outscoring their opponents 101-65, while claiming 227 total bases and giving up just 195. Maddie Sickau leads the team in batting average at .369 with 35 total bases. Meryn Livingston and Emily Bryant pace the team with 15 RBI on the year, with Livingston leading the team in doubles (6) while Bryant ties Sickau and Hailey Wood for the most homers (2).

In the circle, the Patriots have a team ERA of 2.50 led by the relief pitching of Kaci Goedde with a 0.60 ERA. Kaiti White also has a sub 2.00 ERA at 1.89 in her 37 innings of work. Last season's strikeout leader, Talli Burgess is once again leading the team with 32 K's this season.

The MSC has three teams in the top-25 led by Freed-Hardeman who is tied for 4^th, followed by Lindsey Wilson in 13^th and Cumberlands at 17.

Before the next poll is released on March 23, UC will face both Milligan who moved up in the poll to 20 and Georgia Gwinnett who is ranked 14^th.

The Patriots have altered their weekend schedule due to the anticipated inclement weather. They will now start their series against Cumberland U on Thursday, March 10, with game one slated for a 2PM ET start. Live video for the games will be available here and live stats here.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, YouTube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.