Georgetown, KY – Allison Joines and Ashlee Baker combined for 14 points as the second ranked Patriots defeated (RV) Georgetown 23-5 Wednesday night at Toyota Stadium.  With the win the Patriots improve to 17-1 overall and 6-0 in AAC play to capture the AAC regular season title. 

It marks Cumberlands sixth regular season conference title in program history and their third AAC regular season crown. 

Joines tallied a career-high six goals and seven points, while Baker notched seven points, five ground balls, and three caused turnovers. Emma Rittman added six points, while Christina Career tallied four points in the win.  Lenora DeVries added four ground balls, and a pair of draw controls.  Mikayla Kimsey and Madilyn Gardner combined for six saves in the win.
 
UC defense set the tone forcing a trio of failed clears to open the game before Lenora DeVries and Emma Rittman netted back-to-back goals giving UC the early 2-0 lead. The Patriots won the next two draw controls and converted goals, including Anna Lobbezzo connecting with Christina Carter to extend the lead to 4-0.  Cumberlands notched goals from Tess Lisy and Rittman as Kimsey notched a pair of saves giving UC the 6-0 advantage. Ashlee Baker added a late goal as UC took a 7-2 lead after the opening quarter.

The Patriots took advantage of Tigers penalty netting three man-up goals, including Baker connecting with Joines for a goal extending the lead to 11-2 with 11:41 remaining.  Midway through the second quarter Baker found Kameron Mayfield in front of the cage for a goal making it 12-2.  Joines netted a pair of goals in the close minutes of the period to take a 14-3 lead into the break.

Cumberlands extended their lead early in the third quarter as UC defense forced multiple turnovers, while Joines netted a pair of goals making it 17-3. Minutes later Kimsey notched a save and on the ensuing possession Tess Lisy found a cutting Jennifer Barnica for a goal giving UC an 18-3 lead.  Baker added a rebound goal, before Barnica intercepted a pass and scored in the closing seconds of the quarter making it 20-4. 

UC continued to control the possession, converted their first three shots of the period into goals, including one from Kaitlyn Friel to extend the lead to 23-4.  Madilynn Gardner added a save and a caused turnover to keep the Tigers in check for the 23-5 final.

The Patriots will now set their sights on the AAC Tournament.  Cumberlands will earn a first-round bye and face the winner of the 4-5 game in the semifinals on Friday, April 24 at 11 a.m. in Waleska, GA.
 
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