The University of the Cumberlands Women's Basketball team has had a phenomenal year thus far earning both the regular season Mid-South Conference Title and the Tournament Title.  This year it was a joint effort on the team's behalf, but certain members of the Patriot program were honored on Thursday night at the Mid-South Conference Banquet.   

Lauren Wombles (London, KY) was named the 2011-2012 MSC Player of the Year.  Sheranks in the conference's top-five in six individual categories, including leading the MSC in scoring at 19.4 points per game.  She is third in the conference in field goal percentage (49.0) and free throw percentage (83.6). She finished fourth in the MSC following regular season play in rebounds (8.1) and steals (2.5) and fifth in the conference with 10 double-doubles.  Nationally, Wombles ranks fifth in scoring, 15th in free throw percentage and 24th in field goal percentage.

Head Coach Melissa Irvin was also named Co-Coach of the Year at the banquet on Wednesday night.  This was one of the best seasons that Coach Irvin has had in her illustrious career here at UC, leading her team to 21 straight victories during the season.  This feat tied the school record for longest winning streak by the women's basketball team set back in 2003-2004, when they started the season 21-0. 

Along with Wombles, Jade Howard (Salyersville, KY) was also named All-Conference first team.  Howard ranks 2^ndon the team in points scored per game with 11.1 as well as 4^thin the MSC with 4.6 assists per game, which is 2^ndon the team.  Also named an Honorable Mention All-Conference member was senior Haley Ratliff (Pikeville, KY).  Haley leads the team in assists per game with 4.7 per game, ranking her 3^rdin the MSC.  She also averages 9.4 points per game, good for 3^rdon the team. 

Thirty-nine ladies were named MSC Academic All-Conference players this season.  To be eligible for Academic All-Conference, you must hold a 3.25 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale and be at least a sophomore in academic standing.  Five Patriots were members of this group including Lauren Wombles, Jackie Alexander (Brodhead, KY), Haley Ratliff, Thali Rodrigues (Malmo, Sweden), and Jessica Upchurch (Stanford, KY).

The Patriots begin their journey for a NAIA National Title next week when they travel back to Frankfort, KY for the NAIA National Tournament.  Brackets should be released on Wednesday. 

For more information on the Patriots women's basketball program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.