Marietta, GA – The seventh-ranked and fourth-seed Cumberlands men's lacrosse team jumped out to the early lead, however, it wasn't enough as they fell to top-seed and second-ranked Keiser 19-9 in the semifinals of the AAC Tournament Friday afternoon. The Patriots move to 9-7 and now await the NAIA Selection Show on Monday.
Nathan Cook led the way for UC with five goals.
JD Cook made 19 saves in the game and finished the AAC Tournament with 40 saves in two games.
Kuwese Walker and
Jacob Ingle tallied three caused turnovers and four ground balls apiece.
The Patriots defense was on their heels to open the game however
JD Cook made six saves in the first ten minutes of action keeping the game scoreless. Cumberlands struck first with 5:18 remaining in the opening quarter as
Johnny Simpson netted his second career goal giving UC the 1-0 lead. After the Seahawks tied the game,
Dom Lulow connected with
Carter Barrett for goal making it 2-1. In the closing seconds of the first quarter
Caden Abbott ripped a shot into the cage making it a 3-2 advantage for the Pats.
Keiser went on a 6-1 run to open the second quarter and take an 8-4 lead before
Nathan Cook put a well-placed shot into the net, making it 8-5 with 4:33 remaining. After the Seahawks went on a three-goal run, UC took advantage of a penalty as
Will Rogers found Lulow for a man-up goal cutting the deficit to 11-6 at the break.
On Cumberlands first possession of the second half
Alex Heck found
Nathan Cook for a goal brining UC within four at 11-7. After the two teams traded goals, Cook made a strong dodge and finished for a goal cutting the deficit to 12-9. The was the closest UC came as Keiser netted the final seven goals of the game for the 19-9 final.
The Patriots will now await the NAIA Selection Show, which will take place on Monday, May 4
th at 6 p.m. You can watch the selection show on the NAIA's YouTube channel.
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