Kansas City, MO – On the heels of an historic year, the Cumberlands men's lacrosse team garnered 51 points to be tied for second place in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.

The Patriots are coming off a strong tournament run, in which they reached the NAIA Championship game for the first time in program history.  UC closed out the year with a 13-5 mark, with nine wins coming against teams that were ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll.  Cumberlands reached finals of the AAC Tournament after knocking off Webber in the semifinals.

The Patriots return 22 players from last year's squad, including nine starters, to go along with 14 newcomers that provides the coaching staff with depth throughout the lineup.  Highlighting the returners is NAIA First Team All-American Ty Grooms, who tallied 47 ground balls, and 11 caused turnovers.  UC also returned a quartet of goalies that combined for the 176 saves and a .522 save percentage.

Cumberlands set several program records last season, including 260 goals and 412 points.  Highlighting their offensive returners are veterans Will Rogers and Dom Lulow, who have been staples for the Patriots over the past few years.
 
Keiser, the defending NAIA champion, sits atop the pol with 60 points.  Madonna also garnered 51 points to be tied for second, while AAC rivals Webber International and Reinhardt round out the top-five.

Cumberlands is set to open their season Saturday, February 13^th, when they face (RV) Tennessee Wesleyan in a non-conference game.
 
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