Kansas City, MO – For the third straight poll, the Patriots are ranked second after tallying 84 points in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday.  Cumberlands has notched an 12-1 record on the season with nine wins against teams that are ranked or receiving votes in the poll.
 
On the year, UC has outscored their opponents 234-69 on the season and leads the NAIA in goals (234), assists (142), ground balls (314), draw controls (198), and caused turnovers (167). UC has won four straight games with three of those wins coming against teams that are ranked in the latest poll. 
 
The Patriots success has come a balanced attack along with strong defense. The Patriots have seven players that have tallied at least 20 goals so far this season, led by Ashlee Baker, who has a NAIA-best 36 assists and 78 points.  Anna Lobbezoo is fourth in the NAIA with 57 points, while Emma Rittman has notched 37 goals, 65 draw controls, and 46 ground balls.  The freshman trio of Kaityln Friel, Lenora DeVries and Allison Joines have combined for 75 goals on the year.
 
Mikayla Kimsey has posted a NAIA-best 5.58 gaa, while her 57.0 save percentage is ranked second in the NAIA.  The sophomore has made 86 saves while posting a 12-1 record.  UC has six players with double-digit caused turnovers on the season, led by Koral Hadac with a NAIA-best 28 caused turnovers to go along with 40 ground balls.  Devries with 23 ct's and 39 gb's, Christina Carter and Rittman have combined for 31 caused turnovers and 69 ground balls.
 
Benedictine, the defending NAIA champion, sits atop the poll with 90 points, while SCAD is ranked second with 80 points.   Reinhardt and Keiser round out the top-five, while AAC rivals Tennesse Weslyan and Georgetown are receiving votes.
 
Cumberlands returns home to face Columbia on Saturday, March 28^th.  First draw is set for 12 p.m. with live video available here.
 
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