Kansas City, MO – The University of the Cumberlands women's soccer team earned an at-large berth into the NAIA National Tournament after another stellar season, the national office announced Friday night.  The Patriots, who are ranked ninth in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, will face Columbia in the second round on Saturday, November 22 at 12 p.m.
 
This is the seventh straight year that UC has qualified for an opening round and the fifth time since the 2020 season that they have hosted. Cumberlands earned the #13 seed in the Williamsburg Bracket after posting a 13-4-3 record on the season and reaching the finals of the Mid-South Conference Tournament.
 
Cumberlands has played 13 teams that were ranked or receiving votes this season and have tallied six wins and three ties in those matches. UC has outscored their opponents 57-16 with 11 shutouts on the season, which is tenth in the NAIA.  The Patriots have produced a balance attack throughout the year with eight players tallying double-digit points on the season.  Cumberlands has relied on a veteran backline that has limited opponents to 8.2 shots per game and a 0.80 GAA.
 
Cumberlands will face (RV) Columbia, who won both the American Midwest Conference regular season and tournament titles.  The Cougars posted a 12-4-2 record on the year and haven't lost since September 13^th.  Columbia defeated Harris-Stowe State 1-0 in the AMC Tournament Championship.  Columbia is averaging 3.12 goals per game and have limited opponents to 0.82 GAA. 
 
The Mid-South Conference is well represented in the NAIA Opening Round with four teams qualifying. Campbellsville, Cumberland (TN), and Lindsey Wilson will also be representing the conference at opening round sites.
 
The winner of the second-round matchup will advance to the NAIA Final Site in Pensacola, FL.
 
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