November 13, 2021 | by Nate Croswell

LEAD

ASHLAND, Wis. -- Despite a strong start to the game, the Sabercats lost their season opener to Northland College 66-59.

In the loss, Katelyn Morrison scored 25 points, Callie Morrison scored 21 points, and freshman Kyria Teachout grabbed nine rebounds.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 59-66 Northland
• Venue: Kendrigan Gymnasium, Northland College
• Location: Ashland, Wis.
• Attendance: 57
• Records: MBU (0-1), NC (1-1)

STORY

The season began with a strong first quarter for Maranatha, as they shot just over 50% in the half to put up a 20-15 lead. Freshman Kyria Teachout and Callie Morrison led the defense by way of defensive rebounds and steals, while Katelyn Morrison helped the pair lead the offense, each scoring multiple baskets in the first quarter. Northland responded, however, as they forced several turnovers in the second quarter to take the lead toward the end of the half.

Northland continued the script in the third quarter as they forced a few more turnovers and took advantage of those possessions, keeping the Sabercats just behind them. They provided no answer for Callie Morrison though, as she continued to score half of Maranatha's points in the quarter. Then they could not find an answer for Katelyn Morrison in the fourth, as she proceeded to drop 10 points in the fourth, helping Maranatha right the ship in the final quarter and battle back into a competitive score. But Northland would hold on for the 66-59 win, stopping the Sabercats' late surge.

In the loss, Katelyn Morrison posted a team-leading 25 points with four rebounds. Callie Morrison followed her, scoring 21 points and tallying four steals. Teachout grabbed nine rebounds in her collegiate debut, scoring eight points and blocking three shots in the process. Sarah Rogers also contributed eight rebounds in 31 minutes.

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Maranatha Starters: 3- C. Morrison, 4- Massey, 13- Teachout, 20- Rogers, 25- K. Morrison // Northland Starters: 1- White, 11- Wagner, 15- Lopez, 21- Humphrey, 33- Anderson

STATS

• Callie Morrison: 21 PTS, 4 STL, 2 A
• Katelyn Morrison: 25 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL
• Teachout: 8 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
• Aja Gregg: 12 rebounds off the bench for Northland
• MBU: 42 points in the paint
• Turnovers: MBU 21-11 NC
• Last time: Maranatha defeated Northland 69-49 on December 9, 2019
• Series: Maranatha leads the all-time series against Northland 3-1

OPPONENTS

• Northland is dually affiliated with the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Northland began their season on Sunday with a loss to Nebraska Wesleyan University

NEXT

The Sabercats will take the court again next Saturday in their home opener against Emmaus at 2:00 p.m. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.