LANSING, Mich. -- Phoenix are eliminated right before the semifinals through multiple best-of-seven baker series to finish their time in the NAIA National Championship.

To begin the second day of the NAIA National Tournament, Cumberland will have a rematch against a familiar opponent. As the Phoenix faced off against the No. 2 seed Pikeville. In the previous matchup of the two Mid-South schools, the Phoenix had the upper hand in the two of the previous three matchups, with Cumberland sweeping the Bears in the semifinals, and in the finals, Pikeville would win the best-of-seven series, leading to a winner-take-all mega match, which went the way of the Phoenix. 

If the Phoenix win this edition of the rivalry, they would move on to the Semifinals, and if they lose, they would have to play No. 7 seed Ottawa. 

In the traditional game, Pikeville would have the advantage, winning 1033-958, then Cumberland would take the baker set 1074-974 to force a best-of-seven series to determine who moves on.

In that baker series, Pikeville took the first two games 198-190 and 214-194. Then, the Phoenix took game three 259-227 to extend the series. The Bears then won the match with a score of 225-182 in game four and 184-182 in game five to advance to the semifinals.

In the elimination series against Ottawa, the Braves would take game one with a score of 183-145. The Phoenix would take game two 170-154 to even up the series. In game three, Ottawa would find the groove and win with a score of 216-195. Cumberland would find themselves down 3-1 for the second straight series as the Braves would win game four 213-176. With their backs against the wall, the Phoenix would be able to find the strikes they needed to force a game six with a score of 212-166. In that game six, the Braves would win and knock out the Phoenix in six games with a score of 177-162.

The Phoenix season isn't over however, as Cumberland still has the Intercollegiate Team Championship. The Phoenix will begin team play on April 19th at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay, Wisconsin.