Marietta, GA – The third-ranked Patriots went on an 8-1 scoring run, that spanned across three quarters to defeat (RV) Life 13-4 Saturday afternoon at the Lupo Family Field.  With the win, Cumberlands improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in AAC play.

Nick Kava led the way for the Patriots with three goals and three assists in the game, while Evan Barton tallied five points.  Maalek Wilson and Caden Abbot both finished with two goals.  Jack Bichsel made a career-high 12 saves in the victory earning his second win of the season.  Taylor Long scooped a team high seven ground balls to go along with a pair of caused turnovers.

The Patriots struck first as Johnathon Vanover found Kava cutting towards the cage for a goal to make it 1-0 with 10:44 remaining.  The Running Eagles (0-1; 0-1 AAC) netted two straight goals, before Michael Adams and Dakota White won consecutive faceoffs which led to goals from Barton and Kava to put Cumberlands in front 3-2 midway through the first quarter.  Bichsel added a pair of saves before Kava found Barton for a goal giving the Patriots a 4-2 advantage after the first quarter.

Life pulled within a goal three minutes into the second, however, the Patriots defense picked up their intensity holding the Running Eagles in check the rest of the way.  Offensively, Vanover and Carter Barrett notched back-to-back goals giving the Patriots a 6-3 lead at half.

Bichsel tallied a caused turnover and save in the opening minutes of the third quarter before Barton found Caden Abbot for a goal to make it 7-3.  A minute later, Long forced a turnover and on the ensuing possession Maalek Wilson notched an unassisted goal to make it 8-3 with 9:39 remaining.  The Patriots extended their lead on an Abbot goal while Bichsel made three saves to make it 9-3 heading into the fourth.

Life scored a goal off the opening faceoff of the fourth quarter to make it 9-4.   The Patriots notched a pair of shots on frame before Wilson recorded a goal and an assist to Dennis Smith extending the lead to 11-4.  Kava and Barton each scored their final goals to complete their respective hat tricks for the 13-4 final.

Cumberlands returns home on Saturday, February 22^nd, when they host Montreat.  The game is slated to begin at 1 p.m.

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