Ave Maria, FL  – The third ranked Cumberlands women's lacrosse team outscore #10 Ave Maria 7-2 in the second half en route to a 13-6 victory Friday afternoon.  With the win, the Patriots improve to 2-0 on the season, while the Gyrenes move to 1-1.

Ashlee Baker led the way for UC with four goals, while Emma Rittman tallied three goals and a pair of ground balls.  Mikayla Kimsey tallied nine saves in the win,  while Koral Hadac scooped nine ground balls, which tied her career-high. 

The Gyrenes scored on their first possession of the match to take the early lead.  UC responded a few minutes later as Christina Carter connected with a cutting Ashlee Baker to tie the score at 1-1.  The two teams traded goals before Tess Lisy found Emma Rittman for the go-ahead goal giving the Patriots a 3-2 lead with 2:59 remaining.  In the closing minute of the quarter, Cumberlands took advantage of an Ave Maria penalty as Allison Joines put a well-placed shot for a man-up goal giving the Pats a 4-3 lead.

It was a defensive battle in the second quarter as Mikayla Kimsey made four saves, while UC scooped 12 ground balls in the period.  Late in the quarter Reese Kincaid scooped a ground ball as Baker netted her second goal of the contest to make it 5-3.  A Kimsey save led to a transition goal from Rittman as Cumberlands extended their lead to 6-3 at the break.

The Gyrenes controlled the possession for beginning of the third quarter as Cumberlands defense held strong.  The Patriots tallied a pair of shots of frame, before Anna Lobbezoo notched an unassisted goal extending UC's lead to 7-4 midway through the quarter.  A few minutes later, Baker utilized a strong dodge to tally her third hat trick of the season making it 8-5 with 4:15 remaining.  In the closing minute of the period, Rittman and Lenora Devries each converted a goal extending the lead to 10-6.

After beginning the fourth quarter with possession, Baker rolled towards the cage for a man-up goal making it 11-6.  Cumberlands continued their strong defensive effort holding the Gyrenes scoreless over the entire fourth quarter.  UC added man-up goals from Kaitlyn Friend and Carter for the 13-6 final.
 
Cumberlands returns to the field Sunday, February 22^nd, when they travel to across the Sunshine State to Miami Gardens as face (RV) St. Thomas.  First draw is set for 11 p.m. with live stream available here.
 
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube-– Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.