Williamsburg, KY – Patriots athletics have continued their incredibly hot start to the fall season. Based on their performances during the week outside hitter Allyson Grava and forward Stephen Appiah were selected as the Pepsi Athletes of the Week, announced by the athletic department Monday.
 
Allyson Grava earned athlete of the week honors after recording 36 kills, 23 digs, and three service aces to lead Cumberlands to a 2-0 start in conference play.  Grava opened the week with 13 kills, five digs and a pair of aces in UC's sweep over Pikeville.  The sophomore recorded seven kills in the opening set of the match, while her aces came as part of an 11 point run to close out the match.  The Goodlettsville, TN native followed that up with a career-high 23 kills, averaging 5.75 kills per set, in the Patriots 3-1 win over Shawnee State.  The Goodlettsville, TN native also added 18 digs in the match for her seventh double-double of the season.  Grava averaged 5.14 kills per set on the week and she is ranked fourth in the NAIA with 209 kills on the season.  Grava's performances has helped the Patriots extend their win streak to eight straight matches.
 
Stephen Appiah earned his second consecutive athlete of the week honors after tallying three points in Cumberlands 2-0 win over Lyon.  He notched the game-winning goal in the 29' minute before dishing out an assist on the Patriots second goal of the match.  The go-ahead goal came as part of a Patriot attack led by Storm Hollensted right outside the box. He saw Karl-Emil Andersen running down the flank and passed to him, who then sent a low cross to Appiah who was making a near post run. The Louisville, KY native placed the ball on his first touch, straight into the net, for the 1-0 UC lead.  Later in match Appiah headed the ball to Tiago Duarte for the second goal of the match giving Cumberlands its third straight win.
 
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