The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Women's Basketball team continues to impress not only locally, but also nation-wide.  Since the previousNAIArankings, the Patriots have captured two additional wins to contribute to their nearly perfect 18-1 record, remaining undefeated in the Mid-South Conference having gone 8-0 so far. 

Previously, the Patriots were ranked #8 in the NAIA. The Patriots earned themselves a new spot of #6 in the nation when the polls were released on Monday night.  The top four spots in this week's polls remain the exact same as the previous week with Westmont (Calif.) at #4, Union (Tenn.) at #3, Oklahoma City at #2, and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) at the top.  The Patriots only loss was earlier on in the season to Union (Tenn.)

There are currently four other Mid-South Conference rivals who are ranked among the top 25 NAIA teams.  Shawnee State moves up a spot to #11, while Campbellsville University drops to #19.  Georgetown College moved one to #17 this week while Lindsey Wilson dropped down five spots, which was just enough to keep a spot on the NAIA polls at #25.

"It's exciting to see our team climbing in the polls," said Patriot Head Women's Basketball Coach Melissa Irvin.  "It's a testament to our teams' hard work and determination from the beginning of the season.  The Mid-South is one of the top conferences in the nation and competing on a daily basis with these teams is making us a better team.  We knew we had a lot to prove to get back to the top of the Mid-South, but we definitely aren't satisfied with where we are and see this as a challenge for the next few weeks.  Our goal is to be playing on that last Tuesday." 

The Patriots continue to stay focused and determined as they will take on the University of Pikeville Bears and UVA-Wise Cavaliers this week. UC will go against the Bears Thursday night at 5:45 P.M. and the Cavaliers later that week on Saturday at 2:00 P.M. The Patriots hope to continue advancing in the polls as the season comes to an end.

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