2006-2007 Season Wrap-Up

The University of the Cumberlands Women’s Basketball program started out strong, just as many had expected. The ladies received a pre-season national ranking of #10. After falling to #14 in the first couple of weeks, the ladies worked their way up to #9, then #7, and finally set a new school record with a national ranking of #4 in the NAIA.

The Patriots entered into conference play with a strong 17-2 record. In regular season play, Trevecca Nazarene and Oakland City were the only squads to beat the Patriots, having both games within seven points. The Patriots hosted the “High 5” Classic, Wendy’s Classic, and the Huddle House Classic to make up six of their 19 pre-conference game schedule. Over Christmas break, the ladies got the opportunity to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, but also faced NCAA Division II opponent, North Georgia College. The Patriots defeated North Georgia with a score of 93-86 and were then were ready to head into conference play.

As in the past, the Patriots were looking to dominate the Mid-South Conference play. Unfortunately, the first game fell against their plan as Lindsey Wilson College defeated the Patriots 70-64. Lindsey Wilson came to Williamsburg for another round and again defeated the Patriots 58-56. Lindsey Wilson was the only team to take the Patriots in conference play as the ladies finished regular season play with a 25-4 record overall and 8-2 in the MSC.

Head Coach, Missie Irvin capsized her 200 th victory over Georgetown College on January 27, 2007 and also was inducted into the University of the Cumberlands Hall of Fame. Senior Jennifer Nagy (Strongsville, OH) reached the 1500 career point mark as she finished her season with a total of 420 points (13.5 per game) and senior Kirsten Roberson (Baton Rouge, LA) surpassed the 1,000 plateau at the NAIA National Tournament game finishing her career with 1,003 points.

After receiving a first round bye for the MSC Tournament in Frankfort, KY, the Patriots faced newcomers, West Virginia Tech in the second round. The Patriots beat West Virginia Tech in the regular season 82-67 and 66-64, but fell short in a victory as they lost 49-46 in the lowest scoring game of the season.

The Patriots made it to the National Tournament with 25-5 record and a #10 national ranking. Having not lost two games in a row the whole season, the Patriots were confident in a victory over first round opponent Oklahoma Christian University. After a tough two halves, Oklahoma Christian came out on top with a 77-64 victory to keep the Patriots out of advancing to the second round.

Head Coach, Missie Irvin says that her seniors, “Will be very successful in anything they choose to do. Some are going into coaching and teaching, while others choose different fields to further themselves, but they will all continue to improve in whatever they do. Our returners for next season are young, but experienced. We are all very excited to see what next season holds for our group.”

Many awards were received by the Cumberlands players for their efforts in this past season. Jennifer Nagy, Kirsten Roberson ( Baton Rouge, LA), and Lissi Fuller ( Mt. Vernon, OH) were all named to the MSC All Conference Team. Both Jennifer Nagy and Hannah Jefferson ( Brooksville, KY) received the Academic All Conference Award for their achievements off the court. Jennifer Nagy’s strong season under the basket earned her even higher honors. She received awards for Honorable Mention All-American in the NAIA and All-American Scholar Athlete.

With Jennifer Nagy, Colia Mayo (Stockton, CA), Shannon Antunez (Ventura, CA), Kirsten Roberson (Baton Rouge, LA), and Becky Sumner (Marshes Siding, KY) will be 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 Championship this next season. The 2006-2007 season has been truly a hall of fame season for the hall of fame coach.

2005-2006 Wrap-Up
2004-05 Wrap-Up