Kansas City, MO – For the sixth straight year, the Cumberlands men's lacrosse team's season will continue into the postseason as the Patriots are one of eight teams that qualified for the NAIA Invitational, the national office announced Sunday.  UC earned the fourth-seed and will face fifth-seed William Penn in the quarterfinals on May 8^th.

Cumberlands earned the fourth-seed after compiling an 13-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in conference play.  The Patriots posted seven wins over teams that were ranked or receiving votes and compiled a program best nine-game win streak during the season. The Patriots are averaging 14.67 goals per game, while their 7.45 goals against average is second best in the NAIA.  UC has scooped 560 ground balls and notched 181 caused turnovers on the season.
 
UC is lead by a balanced attack with four Patriot players recording at least 50 points on the year.  Will Rogers leads the way with 50 goals and 78 points, while Maalek Wilson and Dom Lulow have 58 points apiece.  Nick Kava has netted 41 goals to go along with 13 assists to give the Patriots balance.  Defensively, UC is led by the AAC Defensive Player of the Year Michael Toohey, who has a 7.59 GAA to along with 168 saves.  Gabe Schwaiger and Taylor Long have notched 28 and 25 caused turnovers, respectively. 
 
William Penn earned the fifth-seed after finishing as the Heart of American Conference Tournament Champions. The Statesmen have compiled a 16-2 record en route to their first tournament appearance.  William Penn leads the NAIA limiting their opponents to 5.64 goals per game.  William Penn is averaging 20.72 goals per game led by Breck Putzier, who has notched a NAIA-best 75 assists and 140 points. 
 
The winner of this game will face the winner of #1 Reinhardt taking on #8 Ottawa.  Both teams earned an automatic berth after winning their respective conference tournaments.  The AAC had four teams qualify for the NAIA Invitational as Keiser is the second-seed, while Webber is the third-seed. 
 
More information about the NAIA men's lacrosse invitational can be found here.
 
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