Waleska, GA – The top-seed and 2
nd-ranked Cumberlands women's lacrosse team set the tone early and never looked back as they defeated second-seed and 4
th-ranked Reinhardt 15-4 to capture the 2026 AAC Tournament title, Saturday afternoon at Ken White Field. With the win the Patriots improve to 20-1 overall and capture their fourth tournament title in program history, including their second straight.
Ashlee Baker, the AAC Tournament MVP, led the way with six goals and eight points, while
Anna Lobbezoo,
Allison Joines, and Lenora Devries each netted a pair of goals.
Koral Hadac tallied a team-best four caused turnovers, while DeVries and
Emma Rittman tallied three caused turnovers apiece.
Christina Carter scooped four ground balls, while
Mikayla Kimsey made eight saves in the victory.
UC's defense was tenacious from the opening whistle tallying a pair of caused turnovers, while Kimsey notched a save in the first five minutes of the game. The two teams traded possession until Hadac forced a turnover and on the ensuing transition DeVries put a well-placed shot into the cage giving the Pats a 1-0 lead with 6:27 remaining. Kimsey tallied her second save before Baker netted back-to-back goals giving Cumberlands a 3-0 advantage after the first quarter.
Madison Rupp recorded a pair of caused turnovers in the opening minutes of the second quarter to keep the Eagles scoreless. Moments later, the Patriots extended their lead as
Audrey Donaldson found Baker cutting towards the cage for a goal making it 4-0. Reinhardt scored two of the next three goals, however, UC responded as Baker connected with
Allison Joines for a goal extending the lead to 6-2 at halftime.
Reinhardt (11-4) cut the lead to 6-3 early in the third quarter, however, Kimsey notched a pair of saves while Rittman converted a free position goal to make it 7-3 with 10:47 remaining. That goal was the 200
th of Rittman's career making her the fifth Patriot to reach that milestone. UC defense continued their stellar performance limiting Reinhardt opportunities, while Carter made a strong dodge and scored an unassisted goal making it 8-3 with 4:47 remaining.
Reese Kincaid and DeVries each tallied a caused turnover as Baker and Joines added late goals giving Cumberlands a 10-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Kimsey notched a pair of saves in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter while Baker connected with
Kaitlyn Friel for a goal giving UC an 11-3 advantage. The Patriots netted the final four goals of the game, including a pair from Lobbezoo for the 15-4 final.
In addition to Baker being named AAC Tournament MVP,
Mikayla Kimsey, Maddie Rupp, and
Christina Carter were also named to the AAC All-Tournament Team. UC's quartet of defenders that includes Rupp, Hadac, Kincaid, and Sarah Linham held Reinhardt to their fewest goals since February 10, 2023.
Cumberlands now sets their sights on the NAIA National Tournament, which is set to begin on Monday, May 11
th. The NAIA selection show is set for May 4
th at 5 p.m. (ET)
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