Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots women's basketball team will hit the road and open the 2026 NAIA Tournament run Friday night at 8 p.m. when they face tenth-seed Indiana Wesleyan in the First Round of the NAIA Tournament.  This kickoffs UC's sixth straight trip to the national tournament and marks their first time since 2023 that Cumberlands will be on the road for first round.  The Patriots have compiled a 19-11 overall record including a 3-9 mark in Mid-South Conference play.

Strong on the Boards

One of the brightest spots for the Patriots this season has been rebounding.  UC enters the game averaging 46.4 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the NAIA.  The Patriots are also second in the NAIA holding a 15.6 rebounding margin on the year.  Zaram Fredricks has grabbed 334 rebounds, which ranks fifth in the country, and is the third most in program history.  The Lagos, Nigeria native is averaging 11.1 rebounds per game.  Fredricks has also set the program's single season block record with 71, which is the sixth most in the NAIA, including a program record nine blocks against #11 Lindsey Wilson.
In addition to Fredricks, Lakin Burke has grabbed 212 rebounds on the year and has been a consistent post presence for the Patriots throughout her career. Burke is also averaging 10.1 ppg on the season and a shined for Cumberlands in the postseason.
 
Offensive Firepower

The Patriots enter the national tournament averaging 76.0 ppg on the season, including hitting 43.3% from the field.  UC has six players that are averaging over 7.0 ppg, led by MSC First Team All-Conference selection Joy Kendrick.  Kendrick has netted 508 points, averaging 16.9 ppg, during her senior campaign.  The Albany, GA native has scored in double figures in 28 games and had a career-high 26 points in UC's semifinal game against Freed-Hardeman.  In addition to the veterans, Cumberlands has had a trio of freshman that have provided balance throughout the season.  Jaydyn Carrico is averaging 8.9 ppg to go along with 4.0 rebounds per game, while Aden Clark has netted 7.9 ppg and 2.3 assists per game.  Peyton Mounce has hit 33.3%  from behind-the-arc, while notching 7.5 ppg on the year.
 
NAIA Tournament
 
The Patriots will face Indiana Wesleyan, who is the tenth seed in the Naismith bracket.  This is the third meeting between these two schools and the first since 2016.  The Wildcats holds the series lead 2-0, however, this marks the first time these two teams will square off in the NAIA National Tournament.  The winner of the match will advance to the Second Round of the tournament to face the winner of #2 Rio Grande and #15 Rochester Christian.
 
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