Kansas City, MO – History has been made as the University of the Cumberlands volleyball team is ranked No. 20 in the latest NAIA Women's Volleyball Ratings, the national office released Wednesday morning. This marks the first time in program history UC has been ranked inside the top-25 in program history.
 
"We are incredibly excited to see our program ranked for the first time in program history," said Head Coach Kathryn Park. "All the credit goes to our players for the hard work and dedication they've put in."
 
The Patriots are off to an impressive 7-0 start this season, including a 3-0 mark at home and two wins over teams ranked or receiving votes in the poll. Cumberlands opened the year with four victories at the Onset Tournament, earning wins over (RV) Indiana Tech, West Virginia Tech, Saint Francis (Ind.), and Bethel University. Most recently, UC knocked off #17 Montana Tech and swept both Carolina University and Union Commonwealth to remain unbeaten.
 
UC has been dominant at the net, averaging 14.0 kills per set with a team hitting percentage of .283. The offense has also totaled 318 assists (13.3 per set) and 65 service aces (2.7 per set), while the defense has racked up 426 digs (17.8 per set).
 
Individually, Sara Zampedri leads the team with 78 kills (3.71 per set), followed closely by Brynnley Bryant with 74 kills (3.08 per set). Kara Gipson has been efficient in the middle with a .495 hitting percentage and 51 kills, while Alana Shiery has tallied 47 kills on a .392 clip. Setter Savanah Jolly has directed the offense with 273 assists (11.4 per set), and libero Davey Slaughter anchors the back row with 117 digs (4.9 per set).
 
UC leads the Mid-South Conference in the poll as both Lindsey Wilson and Cumberland University are receiving votes.
 
"At the same time, we know this is just the beginning. We are committed to keep building and pushing forward."
 
The Patriots will look to extend their winning streak and build on their new national ranking as they continue non-conference play this weekend at the IU Kokomo Quad Tournament.
 
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