February 6, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Sabercats were outmatched in Cedar Rapids against the Mount Mercy Mustangs, taking a straight-set loss while scoring only 27 points in the match inside the Hennessey Rec Center.

The loss concludes a difficult 12-match away stint, as the Sabercats will look to return home Thursday night for their home opener against Rockford University at 7:00 p.m.

OVERVIEW

• Final: Maranatha 0-3 Mt. Mercy (11-25, 6-25, 10-25)
• Venue: Hennessey Recreation Center - Mount Mercy University
• Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Records: MBU (0-12), MMU (5-1)

STORY  

The Mustangs were merciless throughout the night, compiling a 42-kill performance while swinging at a clip of almost .500 percent. The hosts put down an inexorable 15 kills with just 17 attempts in the second set alone, and their relentless attack threw Maranatha off their rhythm, as the Sabercats registered just 12 kills on the night while amassing 22 attack errors.

Tyler Lacock led the attack for Maranatha with four kills while Zach Mueller distributed 10 assists. Drew Smith did his best to keep the floor clean, compiling seven digs on the night.

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Maranatha Starters: 1- Smith, 2- Mueller, 5- Bellrichard, 7- Lacock, 8-Hoffmann (Libero), 12- Says, 17- Valeria

STATS 

• Box Score
• Last time: The Sabercats fell to Mt. Mercy 3-1 on March 12, 2022
• Series: Mt. Mercy leads the all-time series against Maranatha 6-0

OPPONENTS

• Mt. Mercy competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Mt. Mercy finished the 2022 season with a 23-9 record
• Mt. Mercy fell last season 0-3 to Missouri Baptist in their conference semi-finals

NEXT

The Sabercats return to Watertown, Wisconsin for their home opener against Rockford University, Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.