Phoenix Volleyball Set to Challenge No. 10 Cumberlands on the Road

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland women's volleyball will face one of its toughest tests of the season on Thursday as the Phoenix travel to Williamsburg, Ky., to take on undefeated and nationally ranked No. 10 University of the Cumberlands.

The Phoenix (24-11, 6-4 MSC) enter the matchup riding the momentum of a straight-sets sweep at Georgetown last week. Cumberland continues to be one of the most complete teams in the Mid-South, ranking among the top 50 nationally in hitting percentage (.197) and blocks per set (1.99) while also sitting 23rd in the NAIA in service aces per set (2.20). The Phoenix have amassed nearly 1,500 kills and over 2,000 digs across 35 matches.

Lila Cade continues to headline the offense, nearing 400 kills on the season while hitting .269. Senior middle blocker Hazel Konkel has added in 297 kills while hitting a team-high .348. Setter Carlee Rogers and libero Morgan Snead, and Kaleigh Glass have provided consistent play for CU . Rogers guides an offense that averages more than 11 assists per set and Snead and Glass anchors a defense that ranks first in the league in total digs (2,043).

No. 10 University of the Cumberlands (28-0, 9-0 MSC) has been dominant all season and is the only undefeated team remaining in the NAIA. The Patriots rank first nationally in hitting percentage (.322) and fourth in kills per set (13.93), making them one of the most efficient offensive units in the country. They have dropped only four sets all season and swept the Phoenix 3-0 in Lebanon earlier this year.

In that previous meeting, Cumberlands hit .308 as a team while holding the Phoenix to .109. Sara Zampedri led all players with 17 kills for the Patriots, while Lila Cade tallied 13 kills and 10 digs for Cumberland in the loss. The Phoenix will aim to slow down a Patriots offense that averages 18.3 points per set, the second-highest mark in the NAIA.

Outside hitter Zampedri was the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year last season and is leading the way for the Patriots offense with 305 kills on a .285 hit percentage. Brynnley Bryant is second on the team in kills with 277. Savannah Jolly guides the offense as the team's setter averaging over 10 assists per set. Defensively, the Patriots are anchored by libero Davey Slaughter.

Historically, the series has been tightly contested, with Cumberlands holding a 21-15 advantage. Cumberland's last win came in 2023 when the Phoenix earned a 3-2 victory in the MSC Tournament.

First serve is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. CT inside the UC Volleyball Gym in Williamsburg, Ky. tomorrow.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#32 Lila Cade: OH; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#20 Kaleigh Glass: DS/L; 5' 5"; Junior

#9 Hazel Konkel: MH; 6' 1"; Senior

#22 Morgan Snead: DS/L; 5' 6"; Senior

#1 Carlee Rogers: S/RS; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#32 Lila Cade
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: OH

#20 Kaleigh Glass
: 5' 5"; Junior
: DS/L

#9 Hazel Konkel
: 6' 1"; Senior
: MH

#22 Morgan Snead
: 5' 6"; Senior
: DS/L

#1 Carlee Rogers
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: S/RS