Williamsburg, KY – Being a vital part of their team's success, outside hitter Sara Zampedri and swimmer Alexander Poulsen have been selected as the October Athletes of the Month presented by The Brick Oven, the athletic department announced Wednesday. The University of the Cumberlands Athletic Department in conjunction with their corporate partner, The Brick Oven, are presenting the "The Brick Oven Athletes of the Month", which will be awarded to the top two student-athletes each month.
 
Sara Zampedri earned athlete of the month honors after an incredible month that included the Patriots posting a 12-0 record.  The senior tallied 115 kills, 3.48 k/s, a .295 attacking percentage, 88 digs, and 32 aces throughout the month.  Zampedri opened the month with a season-high kills and a .441 hitting percentage along with 10 digs in the road win over (RV) Cumberland.  Zampedri followed that up with 11 and 12 kills, respectfully, against Bethel and Freed-Hardeman, before notching 13 kills in the 3-0 sweep over #25 Lindsey Wilson.  The Flero, Italy native tallied 12 digs against Campbellsville and added five aces in the win over Georgetown.  Zampedri added 11 kills, seven aces, and 10 digs against Boyce, before closing out the month with 11 kills and 12 digs in the win over the Phoenix.  Her efforts helped Cumberlands capture their first MSC regular season title in program history.
 
Alexander Poulsen earned athlete of the month honors after an incredible start to his Patriot career.  The freshman collected four school records, multiple NAIA national cuts, and a plethora of wins.  Poulsen began his UC career by clocking a 44.29 to break the 100 free school record and win the event in dual against Shawnee State.  He followed that up clocking a 20.50 in the 50 free and 50.16 in the 100 fly against Lindsey Wilson.  Against DePauw, Poulsen was nearly unstoppable breaking three school records and six pool records.  The freshman touched the wall in 19.94 to break the 50 free school record, while also winning the 100 free.  Poulsen was a key part of the Patriots relays that broke the school record in both the 200 free relay (1:21.43) and the 400 free relay (2:59.07).  He has multiple top times in the NAIA.
 
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