Kansas City, MO – The Cumberlands women's basketball team earned 140 points to be ranked 25^th in the Preseason NAIA Coaches' Poll, the national office announced Wednesday.  This marks the fourth straight year the UC has been ranked in the preseason poll.

The Patriots are coming off a 26-6 season last year, where Cumberlands captured the Mid-South Conference regular season title.  UC went on to win the Williamsburg Bracket with a 71-66 win over Shawnee State to advance to the NAIA Final Site for the third consecutive year. 

UC excelled on both ends of the court averaging 80.5 points per game, while limiting opponents to 65.1 ppg.  UC closed out the year ranked sixth in the NAIA hitting 36.7%, while holding a 13.7 rebounding margin, which ranked second in the country. 

Cumberlands returns eight players from last year's team along with four newcomers that will make and immediate impact.  Highlighting the returners are Lakin Burke and Joy Kendrick.  Burke was a MSC First Team All-Conference selection after averaging 11.4 ppg to go along with 7.3 rebounds per game.  Kendrick had a breakout season hitting a program record 48.1% from three-point range a year ago.

Defending NAIA champion Dordt earned all 20 first place votes to be atop the poll.  MSC rivals Bethel and Campbellsville are ranked second and third, respectively, while Freed-Hardeman is ranked sixth and Lindsey Wilson come into the year ranked 24^th.

UC opens their season on Friday, October 24, when they host Kentucky Christian.  Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.

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