Patriots Women’s Basketball Jumps Back into the NAIA Top 25

Kassie Monday | Patriots Women’s Basketball

By Press release submission

Jan 14, 2023

Riding a six-game win streak, the Cumberlands women's basketball team earned 143 points to leap back into the top 25 of the NAIA Coaches' Poll, released by the national office Wednesday. The Patriots are ranked 24th in the poll marking it the third time this season that UC has been ranked in the top-25.

The Patriots are 14-3 on the season, including an 8-3 mark against the MSC. Cumberlands is 9-0 at home on the year and is averaging 81.2 points per game, which is eighth in the NAIA. UC is ranked fourth in the country averaging 4.9 blocks per game, while their 17.1 assist per game ranks 15th in the NAIA. UC's six game win streak is the longest of the season and the longest since the start of the 2020-21 season.

Kassie Monday is leading the way for Cumberlands averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game so far this season. The sophomore has dished out 101 assists on the season, which is the second most in the NAIA this season, while she is ranked second in the MSC in points per game. Kaylie Monday is ranked ninth is the NAIA tallying 49 steals on the year to go along with averaging 11.2 points and 3.4 assists. Channing Lewis is chipping in 10.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season with five double-doubles, while Lakin Burke has come on strong netting double-figures in six conference games.

Thomas More, the defending NAIA champion, earned all 21 first place votes to be ranked a top the poll. Central Methodist, Dordt, Campbellsville, and Westmont round out the top five. Pikeville and Georgetown are both mentioned in the receiving votes section.

UC returns to the court Thursday, January 12, when they travel to Portsmouth, OH to face the Bears. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. with live video available here.