Kansas City, MO – The University of the Cumberlands Volleyball team has reached another milestone, climbing to No. 14 in the latest NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday by the national office. This marks the highest ranking in program history after UC made its first-ever appearance in the top-25 just two weeks ago.
 
Cumberlands is one of two teams left in the country to remain undefeated at 14-0 overall and is 1-0 in conference play following a sweep over Campbellsville in their Mid-South opener Tuesday night. The Patriots are 4-0 at home, 4-0 on the road, and 6-0 in neutral matches, and have now swept their last nine consecutive matches.
 
On the season, UC is averaging 14.2 kills per set with a team hitting percentage of .305. The Patriots have dished out 603 assists (13.4 per set) and served up 122 aces (2.7 per set). Defensively, Cumberlands has tallied 728 digs (16.2 per set) and 68 total blocks (1.5 per set).
 
Individually, Sara Zampedri leads the offense with 157 kills (3.74 per set), followed closely by Brynnley Bryant with 151 kills (3.43 per set). Kara Gipson has been dominant in the middle with a .454 hitting percentage and 89 kills, while Alana Shiery has added 94 kills on a .392 clip. Setter Savanah Jolly continues to pace the offense with 515 assists (11.4 per set), and libero Davey Slaughter anchors the defense with 191 digs (4.3 per set).
 
Since the last poll, UC has gone 7-0, picking up a sweep over then-No. 18 IU Kokomo, as well as wins against IU East, Bryan College, Siena Heights, Boyce, Union Commonwealth, and Campbellsville.
 
The Patriots are one of three Mid-South Conference programs recognized in the poll, with Lindsey Wilson and Cumberland University receiving votes. Eastern Oregon holds the top spot in the poll, followed by Concordia (Neb.), and Corban (Ore.)
 
UC will be back in action Thursday September 18th for a road matchup against Midway. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
 
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