Posted: Jan 26, 2019

Fighting 'til the End

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. -- The Sabercats showed their characteristic resolve today, but could not overcome the efforts of Bluefield College and Brewton-Parker College.

With a couple of losses, the Sabercats finished eighth at the NCCAA National Invitational.

Results:
- #7 Maranatha 0-3 #6 Bluefield (18-25, 21-25, 20-25)
- #7 Maranatha 1-3 #8 Brewton-Parker (7-25, 9-25, 22-25)
Venue: DeVos Gymnasium, Trinity Christian College
Location: Palos Heights, Ill.
Records: MBU (0-5), BC (2-5), BPC (1-4)

The Sabercats threatened Bluefield the entire match, but the Rams' persistence paid off, as they took the opening match of the day in three sets. MBU averaged almost 20 points per set, and Derek Wallis led the way with seven kills for the Blue and Gold. Rory Massey was right behind him with five kills of his own, and both of them were put up to the task by Taylor Dafoe, who distributed 17 assists in the match.

MBU had to put up with an intimidating 17 kills from Bluefield in the second set, and that offensive display from the Rams propelled them on to closing out the match in a three-set excursion. Still, the Sabercats showed the same qualities that they had shown on day one, as they were eager to take something away from their first national stage.

That something came in the final match of the tournament when the Sabercats battled the #8-seeded Brewton-Parker Barons. After falling behind in the match 2-0, the Sabercats saw their efforts from the first two sets amount to a set win. MBU took away a 25-21 victory in the third frame to change the direction of the momentum.

But the momentum would swing back again, as the Barons finished what they started in the next set, winning the match 3-1 to take home the seventh-place honor.