Kansas City, MO – For the third straight poll, the University of the Cumberlands women's basketball team continues to climb as they tallied 243 points to be ranked 18^th in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.  UC is 9-1 on the season with three wins over teams that are ranked or receiving votes.
 
The Patriots have excelled on both ends of the floor averaging 84.5 ppg, while limiting their opponents to 58.3 ppg.  UC has converted 45.5% from the field, averaging 49.3 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the NAIA, while their 18.9 rebounding margin is second in the country.
 
The Patriots have utilized a balanced approach with depth as eight different players average at least 8.0 ppg on the season.  Joy Kendrick leads the way for Cumberlands averaging 14.8 ppg along with 5.4 rebounds per game and 28 assists. Zaram Fredricks has grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds twice this season and is second in the NAIA with 116 boards, while her 11.6 rpg ranks ninth in the country.  Lakin Burke notched her second double-double of the season and is averaging 10.2 ppg to go along with 6.8 rpg, while freshman Jaydyn Carrico, Aden Clark, Peyton Mounce, and Darcie Anderson all averaging at least 8.0 assists per game. 
 
Dordt earned all 20 first place votes to remain a top the poll, while MSC rivals Bethel and Campbellsville are ranked second and third, respectively.  Dakota State and Marian round out the top-five as Freed-Hardeman is ranked seventh, Georgetown is ranked 23^rd  and Lindsey Wilson is receiving votes.
 
UC returns to the court Tuesday, December 2, when they host Washington Adventist.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
 
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