The University of the Cumberlands (UC) volleyball team looked to improve even more on the great start they had put together in the 2011-2012 season this past week.  It was not going to be easy though as the Patriots took on the University of Pikeville, Midway College, and the University of Rio Grande this past week.  

The Patriots began the week by hosting the University of Pikeville on Tuesday September 27^th. Cumberlands fought hard throughout the game and dominated the entire match sweeping the Bears in three straight sets (25-20, 25-21, and 25-10). Freshman Stacey Sebald (Cincinnati, OH) helped her team substantially with 14 total kills while Mariah Gray (Goshen, OH) followed with 8 kills.  Junior Chelsea Hendrix (Seymour, IN) led the team with 10 defensive digs while sophomore Abby Dundon (Lexington, KY) lead the team with 20 assists in the match.

Cumberlands then traveled to Midway College on September 29^thtaking the match in 4 games, 25-14, 19-25, 25-19, 25-25.  Stacy Sebald led the Patriots in kills in the match with 11.  Abby Dundon lead the team once again with 14 assists with Brittany Weinheimer (Liberty Township, OH) following closely with 12 assists. Kelsey Dew (Clinton, TN) and Chelsea Hendrix were both busy racking up the digs in this match.  Hendrix accumulated 14 digs while Dew earned 13 digs.

The Patriots ended their weekend with a very energetic match against Rio Grande on Saturday October 1st going the distance and taking the Red Storm to 5 sets.  Cumberlands continued to work diligently and came out on top defeating Rio Grande, 25-17, 25-23, 20-24, 25-20, and 15-8.  Cassie Kalman (Beavercreek, OH) and Holly Bronner (Cincinnati, OH) had an impressive 13 kills apiece.  Kelsey Eastman (Urbana, OH) wasn't far behind with 9 kills.  Brittany Weinheimer (Liberty Township, OH) also had a stellar performance accumulating 24 sets.  Chelsea Hendrix and Kelsey Dew once again were active on the defensive side of the ball as Hendrix earned 30 digs while Dew had 20 digs. 

The Patriots have opened the eyes of many around the Mid-South Conference as well as the NAIA.  Cumberlands now have a record of 11-4 and are 3-3 in the MSC.  This is one of the best records in program history, but they still have a large portion of their schedule to play.  The Patriots will travel to Shawnee State University on Thursday October 6^thlooking to go above .500 in conference play.  Cumberlands will also be in action on Friday the 7th on the road at Asbury College. 

For more information on Patriot volleyball as well as Patriot athletics visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. 

Article Provided by Alyssa Burke University of the Cumberlands Multimedia & Athletic Services Student Assistant.