UC Women two wins away from NAIA championship title

The University of the Cumberlands women’s basketball team have already made history by playing their way into the final four of this year’s NAIA tournament in Sioux City, IA, and with a win Monday evening they will be one step closer to realizing their ultimate goal of hoisting a national championship trophy.

The 26-9 Patriots will face the 33-2 Dordt Defenders in the NAIA semifinals Monday in a game that will feel more like a home contest for Dordt, considering the fact that the university is located about an hour away from Sioux City.

Cumberlands defeated Mid-South Conference foe Campbellsville, 88-77, on Saturday to come out on top of the 2024 national tournament’s Duer Quadrant. The Monday twins, Kaylie and Kassie, each scored 20 points in the victory, while teammates Destiny Haworth, Lakin Burke and Channing Lewis scored 16, 12 and 11 points, respectively. Kylie Fultz, LeeAnna McNulty, Amy Thompson and Joy Kendrick combined for the Patriots’ remaining points against the Tigers.

Dordt secured victories over Oakland City (Ind.), Spring Arbor (Mich.), Maryville State (N.D.) and Briar Cliff (Iowa) to emerge as the winners of the Liston Quadrant of this year’s tournament bracket.

The semifinal round contest between the Defenders and UC is set for 8 p.m. CT Monday, with the action being streamed online at www.NAIANetwork.com.

The winners of tonight’s game will go on to face either Providence (Mont.) or Carroll (Mont.) on Tuesday with the NAIA National Championship on the line. The title game will be shown live on ESPN 3.

For more information on the Patriot’s journey to the NAIA semifinals, visit the online home of UC Athletics at www.cumberlandspatriots.com.