2007-2008 Season Wrap-Up

The University of the Cumberlands 07-08 Women’s Basketball team started out the season receiving votes in the NAIA pre-season national ranking. Throughout the year, the women moved up to #20 for three weeks but dropped out of the Top 25 near the end of the season. The women ended the season ranked 24 th in the NAIA.

The Patriots entered into conference play with a 14-5 record. In regular season play, the women started out on a 6-0 run, before falling to Southern Indiana. After hosting the “High 5” Classic for the first two games of the season, the ladies took on the #2 ranked Lee University and lost by only 4 points, 83-87, in overtime. Cumberlands also took on a tough Brescia University team pulling out a one point win, 62-61.

As in the past, the Patriots were looking to dominate Mid-South Conference play. Unfortunately, the first game of conference action fell against their plan as Lindsey Wilson College defeated the Patriots 68-71. The Patriots traveled to Columbia, KY later in the season only to suffer defeat yet again, 65-67. Lindsey Wilson was the only team to take the Patriots in conference play as the ladies finished the regular season with a 22-7 record overall and 8-2 in the MSC.

Senior Lissi Fuller (Mt. Vernon, OH) reached her 1000 career point mark and finished the season with 371 points (12.0 per game). Fuller also hit the 500 assist mark for her career with 171 on the season (5.5 a game) which places her second in Cumberland history for career assists. Amber Neace (London, KY) surpassed the 500 career mark with 440 points (14.2 per game) for the season.

After receiving a first round bye for the MSC Tournament in Pikeville, KY, the Patriots faced Georgetown College in the second round. The Patriots beat Georgetown College in the regular season 66-54 and 93-90, but fell short of a victory as they lost 63-66.

The Patriots advanced to the National Tournament with 22-8 record and a #24 national ranking; Cumberlands was matched up against #4 Vanguard University. After a tough two halves, Vanguard came out on top with a 62-75 victory to knock the Patriots out of the tournament and end their season.

Many awards were received by the Cumberlands players for their efforts during the season. Amber Neace was named to the MSC All Conference Team. Hannah Jefferson (Brooksville, KY) and Sonia Thompson (Utica, MI) received the Academic All Conference Award for their achievements off the court. Both Lissi Fuller and Amber Neace received awards for Honorable Mention All-American in the NAIA for their leadership and strong season. Lissi Fuller received the highest honor from the MSC. Fuller was named MSC Player of the Year for her achievements throughout the season. Fuller lead the Patriot Ladies in assists with 171, shot over 88 percent from the free throw line, and scored 371 points this season.

With Lissi Fuller and Crystal Taylor (Flint, MI) graduating and leaving the squad, the Patriots will look forward to a new starting crew for next season. The Patriots ladies will be looking to regain the MSC title and return to the National Tournament next season. The 2007-2008 season has been a season of milestones waiting to be surpassed in the seasons to come.

2006-2007 Wrap-Up
2005-2006 Wrap-Up
2004-2005 Wrap-Up