Kansas City, MO – After an incredible season, highlighted by capturing the AAC regular season and tournament tiles, the Cumberlands women's lacrosse team closed out the year ranked third in the final NAIA Coaches' Poll, released Thursday.  The Patriots tallied 64 points to remain ranked in the top-three all season.

UC tied their program record with a 20-2 record on the year, including a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play.  The Patriots went 14-2 against teams that were ranked or receiving votes and posted seven wins over teams that qualified for the national tournament.  Cumberlands set program records for goals (410), assists (245), ground balls (521), caused turnovers (299), and goals against average (5.41). 

The Patriots notched a NAIA-best eight NAIA All-Americans, including a program record five First Team honorees.  Ashlee Baker, the AAC Player of the Year, led the way with 68 goals, a program record 70 assists, and 138 points.  Anna Lobbezoo added 93 points, while Emma Rittman notched 64 goals and 89 points. 

Rittman, a four-time first team All-American, closed out as the program's career leader in draw controls (621) and ground balls (283) to go along with 289 points.  Four-time First Team All-American Koral Hadac is the program's career leader with 179 caused turnovers, while she's ranked second in ground balls (265).  Mikayla Kimsey notched a NAIA-best 5.83 goals against average and 56.1% save percentage to garner First Team All-American honors.

Another bright spot for the Pats this season was the strong play of their freshman class, which accounted for a quartet of All-Conference selections.  Lenora DeVries was the AAC Freshman of the Year after tallying 54 points, 61 ground balls, and 42 caused turnovers.  Allison Joines captured Second Team All-American honors with 41 goals and 62 points, while Kaitlin Friel notched 37 goals and 50 points.  Christina Carter was one of the most versatile players recording 54 points, 56 draw controls, 42 ground balls, and 28 caused turnovers.

Benedictine, the NAIA Champion, earned all-first place votes to be ranked atop the poll, while SCAD is ranked second.  Keiser and Reinhardt rounds out the top-five. 

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