Williamsburg, KY – The third-seed Cumberlands women's basketball team netted at least 20 points in each of the first three quarters to defeat #14 seed Siena Heights 73-56 in the first round of the NAIA Tournament presented by Ballogy Friday afternoon on Randy Vernon Court.  With the win, UC advances to the second round Saturday and improves to 23-9 overall.

Kaylie Monday led the way for UC with 15 points, eight rebounds, and five steals, while Destiny Haworth added 13 points, including going 3-3 from long range.  Joy Kendrick netted a season-high 12 points to go along with four rebounds, wile Kassie Monday added nine points and eight assists.  Channing Lewis grabbed a team high 12 rebounds to go along with nine points and five assists. 

The Patriots opened the game with Channing Lewis connecting with Lakin Burke and Destiny Haworth to give UC a 4-2 lead a minute into the game.  Siena Heights responded with a 5-2 run before Kassie Monday found Haworth on the wing for a three to put Cumberlands back in front 10-7.  Kaylie Monday hit from behind-the-arc to spark a 9-0 UC run that was capped off with a Kassie Monday layup to make it 18-7 with 3:34 remaining.  The two teams traded baskets before Kaylie Monday connected with Joy Kendrick for a three-pointer to extend the lead to 23-10 after the first quarter.

UC opened the second quarter with Burke adding a layup before finding Amy Thompson for a jumper extending the lead to 27-10.  Siena Heights scored seven unanswered before Victory Fredricks found Kendrick on the wing for a three-pointer before Lewis and Kaylie Monday added three's of their own to extend the lead to 36-17. Kendrick and Kaylie Monday combined for five points as UC took a 43-24 edge into half.

Cumberlands opened the third quarter on a 6-0 run, including four points and a steal from Kaylie Monday to give UC the 49-24 lead.  The two teams traded possession until Haworth drained a three-pointer and added a steal and layup to make it 58-33 with 4:10 remaining.  The Saints went on a 9-2 two run, however, the Patriots added jumpers from LeeAnna McNulty and Kendrick to make it 64-46 heading into the fourth quarter.

Siena Heights went on a 6-2 run to open the fourth quarter before Kassie Monday found Haworth from long range to extend the lead to 70-52 with 4:46 left.  Whitney Caldwell and Brittni Allison combined for a trio of free throws to close out the game for the 73-56 final.

In the game UC outrebounded the Saints 45-22, while they held a 21-9 advantage in assists. 

The Patriots will return to the court Saturday, March 16, when they host sixth-seed Bryan in the second round of the NAIA Tournament.  The game is slated to begin at 3 p.m. with live video available here.

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