THE OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 0-3 Augustana (17-25, 15-25, 18-25) 
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Attendance: 164
• Record: Sabercats are now 2-13
• Next Match for MBU: Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. vs Loras

THE LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Vikings of Augustana College racked up 50 kills in a 3-set match to take home a hard-hitting win over the Sabercats tonight.

Despite the loss on the scoreboard, the Sabercats forced the Vikings to earn their keep on the night. The visitors needed an athletic and versatile attack to take home the 3-0 win.

THE STORY

Augustana started well and finished strong in the opening set, as they showed their athleticism and power right from the start. The Vikings had a lineup consisting entirely of freshmen, and the visitors showed no fear whatsoever. Six different Augustana players notched kills early on, and the hitting only grew more deadly and varied as the set matured. When all was said and done, the Vikings showed that they came to play, and they had an attack line of 16-4-27 to prove it.

The second set was more of the same, as the Vikings kept their guns blazing. Augustana recorded 20 kills in the second set, which ended up being the most lopsided of the match.

While the Sabercats kept the ball in play, the holes in the Augustana defense seemed to be nonexistent. The Sabercats managed just 3 kills (with just 1 error) in the set, and the visitors seemed to be everywhere defensively. After a 15-25 score in the second set, the match seemed to be heading for an early finish.

That finish came in the next set, sure enough, but it wasn't without a fight from the Sabercats. Kills from Derek Wallis, Joel Depue, and Devon Steuerwald gave the Sabercats an 11-10 lead, but that seemed to light a new fire under the Vikings. The visitors responded with an 8-2 run to essentially ice the match.

Some late kills and aces sealed the deal for Augustana, but the Sabercats have once again shown that they won't back down. Despite the credentials of Augustana and their powerful line of hitters, the Sabercats still managed to record 50 points in the match.

THE NUMBERS

Wallis once again recorded a half-dozen kills on the day to lead the Sabercats. 

Tim Kile logged 8 assists while Matt Wetzel recorded 6.

Augustana held a 50-16 advantage in kills. 

The Vikings were charged with 31 errors compared to just 25 from the Sabercats.

For Augustana's balanced attack, 8 different players recorded 4 kills or more.

THE CALENDAR

The Sabercats will host Loras College next Tuesday (Feb. 27) at 7 p.m. Catch the details at mbusabercats.com/composite.