Williamsburg, KY – It has been a season of firsts for the University of the Cumberlands Volleyball program, and the Patriots are continuing to make history. After putting together a perfect 34-0 record and capturing their second Mid-South Conference (MSC) Tournament title in the last three years, UC has earned the right to host the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round for the first time in program history. The Patriots enter the postseason as the No. 9 overall seed and will face Columbia International at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, in the UC Volleyball Gym.
 
Unbeaten and Hungry for More
From the opening serve in August, the Patriots have been on a mission. UC rolled through its schedule without dropping a match, finishing 34-0 overall and 12-0 in Mid-South Conference play. The Patriots posted a 12-0 record at home, 12-0 away, and 10-0 at neutral sites to become the first team in program history to complete a perfect regular season.
Cumberlands showcased its depth and consistency throughout the year, earning sweeps in 29 of its 34 matches. UC closed out the MSC Tournament in dominant fashion, defeating Cumberland University 3-0 in the semifinals before earning a four-set win over Campbellsville in the championship to claim the conference crown and an automatic bid to the national tournament.
 
Honors and Awards
Following the most successful regular season in program history, the Patriots were well represented in the Mid-South Conference awards. Junior outside hitter Sara Zampedri was named MSC Player of the Year, while Davey Slaughter earned MSC Defender of the Year, and Savanah Jolly was tabbed MSC Setter of the Year. In addition, head coach Kathryn Park was named MSC Coach of the Year, and assistant coach Jung Park earned MSC Assistant Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive season.
Cumberlands placed seven players on the MSC All-Conference Team, further highlighting the depth and balance that has powered their undefeated run.
 
Balanced Dominance
UC has been among the most complete teams in the NAIA this season, ranking near the top nationally in nearly every major statistical category. The Patriots are hitting .318 as a team while averaging 13.9 kills, 13.0 assists, and 2.7 service aces per set.
Zampedri leads the offense with 374 kills and 73 service aces. Brynnley Bryant has been a consistent threat with 339 kills, while Kara Gipson has anchored the middle, hitting an incredible .495 to lead the NAIA and leading the team with 73 blocks.
At setter, Savanah Jolly has orchestrated the attack with precision, dishing out 1,046 assists while also contributing defensively with 272 digs. Davey Slaughter leads the defensive effort with 442 digs, averaging 4.25 per set, while providing a steady presence in serve receive.
Cumberlands' defensive wall has held opponents to a mere .091 hitting percentage, and the Patriots have out-blocked opponents 202.5 to 97.
 
NAIA Tournament
As the No. 9 seed in the NAIA Opening Round, Cumberlands will host Columbia International University on Saturday, November 22, at 7 p.m. inside the UC Volleyball Gym. The winner will advance to the NAIA National Championship final site in Sioux City, Iowa.

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