Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands women's lacrosse team has a history of playing one of the toughest schedules in the NAIA and that sentiment will hold true again as the Patriots releaed their 2026 schedule.  This year's slate has a balanced mix of ten home games and eight road contest and feature six games against teams that competed in the NAIA National Tournament, Head Coach Kelly Buikus announced.
 
Cumberlands opens the season on the road on February 7, traveling to Southfield, Michigan to face sixth-ranked Lawrence Tech. This marks the ninth straight year that the Patriots and Blue Devils have squared off early in the season.

"This has been a great test early in the season," said Coach Buikus.  "Lawrence Tech is a well coached team that has consistently been a national contender."

The Patriots then return to Williamsburg for their home opener on February 10, hosting Shorter at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.  This marks the fourth meeting between the two schools. 
 
UC heads back on the road for a three-game stretch to the Sunshine State beginning February 20 at (RV) Ave Maria, followed by contests at (RV) St. Thomas on February 22 and (RV) Warner on February 24. The Patriots return home on February 28 to take on #10 Marian to close out the month.
 
The Patriots begin March with five straight home games, welcoming #9 Indiana Tech on March 2 before facing UHSP for the first time. Cumberlands continues its home stand on March 10 against #1 Benedictine and again on March 14 when they face #7 Life. UC closes the stretch with another home contest on March 16 against #8 Missouri Baptist.

"Facing teams that are ranked helps us be prepared for conference schedule as well as the NAIA National Tournament.  We want to challenge ourselves and play top competition," said Coach Buikus. 
 
Cumberlands heads south on March 20 for a road game at #4 SCAD-Savannah, followed by their AAC opener at Truett McConnell on March 21. The Patriots return home on March 28 to host Columbia College.
 
April opens with a road contest at Tennessee Wesleyan on April 1 before the Patriots close out the home portion of the schedule with back-to-back games against Montreat on April 4 and #5 Reinhardt on April 11. UC wraps up the regular season on April 15 with a road game at (RV) Georgetown.
 
The AAC Tournament will be held at Waleska, GA, while the NAIA Tournament will take place in the middle of May.   Patriots fans can watch all UC home games here.

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