No. 23 Reinhardt Drops Opener to No. 8 Cumberlands (Ky.), 3-1

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – Eighth-ranked Cumberlands (Ky.) used strong defense and two first-half goals to hold off upset-minded No. 23 Reinhardt on Saturday night, 3-1, at Ken White Field at University Stadium.

The Eagles (0-1) fought hard and never gave up until the final horn.

"It was a very challenging game tonight," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "Cumberlands demonstrated why they are a top-five team in the country. Although, it is painful to be outplayed in our season opener, it was a very productive night from the standpoint of learning what we need to work on to be successful this season.

We have a great group of girls who will learn from tonight and perform better next game."

The Patriots were able to get on the board twice in the first half – including a score in the final seconds of the opening period – to move ahead, 2-0, after 45 minutes of play. Less than five minutes into the second stanza, the deficit for the hometown club grew to 3-0 following another netted shot by Cumberlands at 49:37.

A foul in the box about 15 minutes later opened the door for the Eagles to earn their first tally of the new season and Mila Bodin connected.

Neither team would score the rest of the evening as both defenses played a strong match, particularly the midfielders of the Patriots, who held their hosts to seven shots (four on-goal).

Caroline Johnson made five saves in 90 minutes of action.

The team looks to bounce back at Life (Ga.) on Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. 

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