Bowling Green, KY – Following another dominant defensive performance, University of the Cumberlands graduate student Bruno Garcia has been named the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, conference officials announced Monday. It marks the first time this season that Garcia has earned the weekly honor. 

In Cumberlands' lone match of the week, Garcia anchored the Patriots' backline in a 1-0 win over Campbellsville, securing UC's eighth shutout of the season. The Lima, Peru native played the full 90 minutes and was instrumental in organizing a defense that limited the Tigers to just three shots on goal. 

Under Garcia's leadership, the Patriots have recorded a clean sheet in every conference match this season and remain unbeaten in Mid-South play. His poise, communication, and physical presence at center back have been pivotal to UC's defensive consistency. 

A standout in the classroom and on the field, Garcia is a two-time MSC All-Conference selection and was named the 2023 MSC Defensive Player of the Year. He has earned multiple academic honors throughout his career, including Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete and MSC Academic All-Conference recognition. 

The Patriots return to the pitch on Monday, October 20, when they host Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. in Williamsburg, KY. 

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