The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Women's basketball team continued to prove to the nation why they are a NAIA Championship contender as they continued their dominant play in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) with wins against St. Catharine College and Campbellsville University.  The Patriot ladies, who are currently ranked #8 in the NAIA polls, improved their record to 18-1 and 8-0 in conference play, remaining the only undefeated team in the Mid-South Conference. 

On Thursday, the Patriots traveled to Springfield, KY to battle the St. Catharine Patriots.  UC dominated play the majority of the game, coming out on top 78-61. UC was led by Lauren Wombles (London, KY) who scored 24 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, while senior point guard Jade Howard (Salyersville, KY) chipped in 23 points along with 7 assists.  Dace Bicane (Riga, Latvia) hit double digit figures as well with 14 points. The Patriots, as a team, shot an impressive 46% from the field for the game, as well as 91% from the free throw line.

On Saturday, the Patriots journeyed to Campbellsville University to battle their rivals in the NAIA Game of the Week.  The Patriots were seeking revenge over the Tigers as Campbellsville swept the Patriots last season in conference play.  UC succeeded with their task as they fought relentlessly until the final minutes, pulling away with a 72-59 win.  Although the Patriots seemed to be ahead the whole game, the score was unbearably close the majority of play, until the Patriots were pushed into second gear by strong play from the trio of senior starters Lauren Wombles, Haley Ratliff, and Jade Howard.

Senior guard Lauren Wombles posted a strong double-double scoring 23 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.  With slashing drives to the basket, point guard Jade Howard had another strong performance scoring 17 points and dishing off 5 assists.  Senior guard Haley Ratliff (Pikeville, KY) also dished out 5 assists along with her 10 points and 4 rebounds, as well as demonstrated the intangibles on both ends of the court, sparking the Patriots in the second half.   Dace Bicane (Riga, Latvia) also chipped in strong with a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Patriot ladies will look to further improve their record this week as they take on University of Pikeville on Thursday at 6:00 pm and UVA-Wise on the road Saturday at 2:00 pm. 

For more information on the Patriot Women's Basketball team as well as other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.

Article written by Stephanie Quattrociocchi, UC Multimedia and Athletic Services Graduate Assistant.