Women’s Soccer Open the Conference in a top Fifteen Match up Against University of the Cumberlands

Lebanon, Tenn. - - The Cumberland women's soccer are looking to make it six wins in a row as they are back at home to face off against the No. 2 ranked University of the Cumberlands Patriots in a top 15 match up.

A win could see the Phoenix improve to 8-1 and continue their winning streak, while this season mirrors 2024 where the team started off with seven straight wins and only fell to Marian. The Phoenix are currently 10-8-2 against the Patriots, however, Cumberlands took the most recent victory 4-1. Notably, the last time the Phoenix won the matchup was to take the Mid-South Conference tournament in 2023, with a 2-0 victory over the Patriots who would go on to win the NAIA National Championship that same offseason.

Cumberland will look to build on the momentum they've accumulated in previous games, especially growing in attack. Adelyn Drane was just named the Mid-South Conference Offensive Player of the Week last week with five goal contributions in just two games.

The Phoenix are coming off of a 5-1 win against LSU Shreveport on the road last week. The team started slow, and found themselves 1-0 down before Sky Hull managed to make it 1-1 at the half. Victoria Collins scored a brace while both Ida Kjallgren and Matilda Walker chipped in goals, helping to put the Phoenix in a comfortable position to finish the second half and take the victory back to Lebanon.

The Phoenix attack has outscored their opponents 30 goals to 4, with Drane, Collins, and Olga Wallemo all on four goals each. Seika Stull is fifth in the conference for assists with six.

In defense, the Phoenix have looked solid with Celia Martin in goal. Martin has had an impressive start to her season, making 22 saves and is tied for second in the nation with five shutouts. The shotstopper has been helped out by the centre back partnership of Niamh Warrender and Ellie Winter who have connected well to form a robust defence. Both players have started every game this season and will look to continue their form against a strong Patriots side.

The University of the Cumberlands come into the game 6-0-3, with their most recent game ending in a 0-0 tie with (RV) Grace College. Freshman Morgan White had a busy game in goal making eight saves as the Patriots struggled to get going on the offensive end.

In the most current NAIA rankings the Patriots moved up to No. 2 in the country after narrowly beating No. 1 Kieser 1-0. Nicole Araujo leads the team in goals with five, while Samantha Sokolove leads UC in assists with three. In their nine games thus far, the Patriots have out scored their opponents 16-6, taking points in six games against opponents who were at the time or who are currently ranked.

Kick off is 12:00 on Saturday in Lebanon. Follow the game live on Cumberland Sports Network.

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