January 14, 2023 | by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Sabercats were swept 0-3 by both Rockford and Wabash in their season opener at the Rockford Triangular.

Jacob Valeria was the top hitter for the Sabercats on the day, earning 5 kills in both matches. 

OVERVIEW

• Final:
  • Maranatha 0-3 Rockford (19-25, 13-25, 15-25)
  • Maranatha 0-3 Wabash (14-25, 9-25, 9-25)
• Venue: Seaver Center, Rockford University
• Location: Rockford, Ill.
• Event: Rockford Tri
• Attendance:
  • Game 1: 76
  • Game 2: 51
• Records: MBU (0-2), RU (1-1), WC (2-0)

STORY 

It was not the start to the season that Maranatha had hoped for, today at the Rockford Triangular. To start things out, the Sabercats faced the Rockford Regents. 

The first set remained close for the majority of the game due to errors from both teams. The Sabercats were able to maintain a one to three-point deficit throughout most of the set, keeping things interesting (18-20). But near the end, the Regents front line started to throw down some heat. They hit the Sabercats with 4 kills, leading them to their 25-19 victory. 

The next two sets were smooth sailing for the Regents as they continued to find their rhythm in the front row. They recorded 40 kills in the match compared to Maranatha's 10, helping them sweep the Sabercats.

Things were not done yet for Maranatha as they moved right on to their next match against Wabash College. But the Sabercats just could not seem to catch a break on the front row. They finished with a -.227 kill percentage, having only 7 kills in the match, 5 of which came from Jacob Valeria. Wabash swept the Sabercats and then went on to sweep the Regents, giving them a undefeated start to their season. 

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Maranatha Starters: 2- Mueller, 7- Lacock, 8-Hoffmann (Libero), 12- Says, 13- Huston, 17- Valeria, 20- Scott

STATS (Two matches combined)

• Valeria: 10 K, 2 BLK
• Mueller: 4 A, 6 DIGS
• Scott: 9 A, 3 DIGS
• Hoffmann: 14 DIGS
• Last time: Maranatha defeated Rockford 3-0 on March 7, 2020
• Series: The Maranatha and Rockford series is now tied 1-1
• Last time: Wabash defeated Maranatha 3-0 on January 29, 2022
• Series: Wabash now leads the all-time series 2-0

OPPONENTS

• Rockford competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA-DIII)
• Rockford finished the 2022 season with a 4-22 record
• Wabash competes in the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League (NCAA-DIII)
• Wabash finished the 2022 season with a 3-18 record

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Palos Heights, Illinois for the NCCAA National Invitational on Friday, January 27. They will face Lancaster Bible College at 2 p.m. and Judson University at 8 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.