Kansas City, MO – The University of the Cumberlands women's lacrosse team has gotten off to a 5-0 start this season and have earned 83 points to climb to second place in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.

The Patriots are coming off a three-game road trip to Florida and have notched a 4-0 road record on the season.  On the year, UC has outscored their opponents 91-15 on the season, with three wins over teams that were ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll.

Cumberlands success has come a balanced attack along with stifling defense. The Patriots have six players that have tallied at least 10 points so far this season, led by Ashlee Baker with 18 goals and 12 assists.  Anna Lobbezoo has added 22 points, while Emma Rittman has notched 16 goals and 17 draw controls.  Kaityln Friel has notched 14 points as Lenora DeVries and Tess Lisy have combined for 13 goals and 24 points.

Mikayla Kimsey, the reigning NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, has made 32 saves and a .681 save percentage.  UC has limited their opponents to 3.00 goals per game, which leads the NAIA.  Cumberlands backline of Koral Hadac, Madison Rupp, Sarah Linam, and Reese Kincaid have limited their opponents to just three second half goals on the season.  UC leads the NAIA in caused turnovers and ground balls.
 
Benedictine, the defending NAIA champion, sits atop the poll with 86 points, while SCAD is ranked second with 80 points.   Reinhardt and Keiser round out the top-five, while AAC rivals Georgetown and Tennessee Wesleyan are receiving votes.
 
Cumberlands returns home to face (RV) Marian on Saturday, February 28th.  First draw is set for 1 p.m. with live video available here.
 
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