Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots have gotten its 2022-2023 season off to a strong start and for their performances, during this opening week forward Jayden Boelter and outside hitter Allyson Grava were selected as the Pepsi Athletes of the Week, announced by the athletic department Monday.

Jayden Boelter earned athlete of the week honors after recording a hat trick in UC's 4-3 season opening win over #19 Truett McConnell.  Trailing 1-0 late in the first half Rita Aguye Cots sent a free kick into the box that found Boelter for the equalizing goal.  The sophomore  followed that up in the second half taking advantage of a Bears turnover and scored from just outside the 18-yard box.  The Hebron, KY native added another goal off of an intercepted pass in the 70' for the hat trick and helped Cumberlands win their sixth consecutive season opener. It was Boelter's third hat trick of her career and her 34^th career goal, which moves her into tied for fifth all-time with Jody LeMaster.

Allyson Grava earned athlete of the week honors after tallying 46 kills, 40 digs, and five blocks at the Vette City Classic.  The sophomore averaged 3.54 kills per set and 3.08 digs per set to help the Patriots go 2-2 over the weekend.  She opened the tournament with 18 kills and 16 digs, both of which are career-highs in Cumberlands 3-1 win over Truett McConnell.  The Goodlettsville, TN native followed that up with 15 kills, averaging 5.0 per set, and eight digs in the sweep over Florida College.  Grava followed that up with 13 kills and 16 digs on the second day of the tournament to help her be named to the All-Tournament Team.

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