Kansas City, MO – For the second straight poll, the Patriots earned 85 points and a pair of first place votes to be ranked second in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.  Cumberlands has notched an 8-1 record on the season with six wins against teams that are ranked or receiving votes in the poll.
 
On the year, UC has outscored their opponents 164-45 on the season and leads the NAIA in goals (164), assists (93), ground balls (239), and draw controls (140). UC is coming off an overtime loss to #1 Benedictine 16-15. 
 
Cumberlands success has come a balanced attack along with stifling defense. The Patriots have six players that have tallied at least 15 goals so far this season, led by Ashlee Baker with 28 goals and 25 assists for a NAIA-best 53 points.  Anna Lobbezoo is second in the NAIA with 42 points, while Emma Rittman has notched 29 goals, 46 draw controls, and 34 ground balls.  Kaityln Friel has tallied 20 goals, while Lenora DeVries and Christina Carter have combined for 36 goals on the year.
 
Mikayla Kimsey has posted a NAIA-best 57.1 save percentage with 60 saves so far this season. UC has five players with double-digit caused turnovers on the season, led by Devries with 18 ct's and 32 gb's. Koral Hadac has 16 caused turnovers to go along with 26 ground balls, while Carter and Rittman have combined for 23 caused turnovers and 52 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 #5 Life on Saturday, March 14^th.  First draw is set for 12 p.m. with live video available here.
 
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