The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Patriot Volleyball team came out with a vengeance on Tuesday night as they hosted defending AAC Regular Season Champion Union College in a fantastic local rivalry match that will be remembered for a time to come.

The Patriots carried a 2-1 game advantage into the 4^th game, but untimely errors by the Patriots coupled with some outstanding defensive play by Union gave the Bulldogs game 4 and the 5^th and deciding game to take a 3-2 victory over UC.  The final score for the match was 23-25, 27-25, 25-13, 25-27, and 13-15.  During the 5^th game, you could see the determination in the eyes of both teams.  It was simply Union's night though as they pulled away with the victory.  

Juniors Cassie Kalman (Beavercreek, OH) and Megan Schulte (Beavercreek, OH) both stood out for the Patriots in this rivalry.  Kalman pitched in 12 kills on the night while Schulte led the team with 17 kills of her own.  Senior libero Chelsea Hendrix (Seymour, IN) lead the Patriot defense with 20 defensive digs.  Setter Abby Dundon (Lexington, KY) was a huge help with 25 assists for her team with Samantha Stuckwisch (Seymour, IN) following closely behind with 22 assists.

Head Coach Kara Clemenz commented, "This match was simply good volleyball. Both teams playing at their best resulted in a long, hard fought battle that was point for point. Losing the match was just heartbreaking but as much as I would have liked to come out on top, I was just as proud of my team for playing at their best. We played with passion, heart, and met several goals we had set prior to the match. The team played together and it was fantastic to watch and a privilege to coach. If this is any indication of the season to come, I will be one proud coach come the end of the season!" 

The Patriot ladies will be back in action on Thursday against Johnson University in Williamsburg.  First match is set for 7 pm.

For more information on the Patriots Volleyball team as well as other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.