LEBANON, Tenn. -- Cumberland Women's Volleyball continues conference play as the Phoenix face off against No. 21 University of the Cumberlands.

Cumberland (9-10, 1-0) is coming off of a straight set win at Bethel to open up conference play last week. 

The Phoenix have been living in the games where each set is close, and both defenses are playing great, as Cumberland has a hitting percentage of .184 and is forcing a hitting percentage of .172. On the serve, the Phoenix have had more control, averaging 2.3 aces per set, and have had 10 or more service aces in three of the last four games. 

Cumberland's attack is led by senior outside Carola Schnidrig, with the Argentinian leading the Phoenix in kills per set (2.75), service aces (32), and points (188.5). Senior outside Bianca Guceanu and Sophomore right side Jacey Hubble have been strong second punches behind Schnidrig, with Guceanu posting 2.1 kills per set on .141 hitting percentage and Hubbell posting 1.84 kills per set on .184 hitting percentage. 

Sophomore setter Carlee Rogers is continuing off of her stellar freshman season, distributing 6.89 assists per set, while also hitting 2.05 kills per set on .242 hitting percentage. Senior libero Kaleigh Glass has been the defensive anchor, collecting 3.78 digs per set, while junior Middle Liberty Shadix has sent 63 shots back to the attacker, and 13 of those have been solo blocks.

For the Patriots (13-3, 1-0), they are also coming off a conference opener win, as they swept Lindsey Wilson.

The reigning Mid-South Conference champs have been dominant on offense, posting a .265 hitting percentage, 13.26 kills per set, and 12.5 assists per set, all of which are top six in the country. 

The Cumberlands are led by junior outside Brynnley Bryant, who is posting 3.88 kills per set on a .251 hitting percentage. Graduate outside Sara Zampedri has also been a strong offensive force for the Patriots, hitting 3.19 kills on a .243 hitting percentage. Senior setter Savanah Jolly has continued her form from last season, distributing 10.14 assists per set. Freshman Libero Morgan Bentel is the defensive wall for the Cumberlands, collecting 3.52 digs per set.

The history between the Phoenix and Patriots has become more one-sided on the side of the Cumberlands, as they lead the series 23-15. Cumberland hasn't beaten the Patriots in the last five meetings, which include two season sweeps by the Cumberlands. When the Phoenix travel to the UC Volleyball Gym, they have a record of 7-11.

First serve is set for 6:00 PM, and you can watch it on the University of the Cumberlands Sports Network.