WATERTOWN, Wis. --- The NCCAA announced today that the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) named the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist University as the recipient of the 2016 NISOA Sportsmanship Award for NCCAA Division II Women's Soccer.

The award is presented by NISOA to the NCCAA, and the award is given to the team that - in the opinion of the actual tournament officials - best demonstrated fair play and respect during the tournament.

The tournament was held in Kissimmee, Fla. in November, and the Sabercats took fourth place after losing twice in penalty-kick shootouts.

"I'm thankful for the culture the girls have established on our team that seeks to positively impact all the participants in our matches," said head coach David Anderson. "It is to their credit that we received this award. I'm honored by the recognition and thankful for the opportunity to compete in the NCCAA which seeks to promote good sportsmanship."

The award for the 2016 Sabercats marks the first reception of the NISOA award in Maranatha Women's Soccer history. The award will be presented at the 2017 NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 13 during the NCCAA Women’s Coaches' meeting that takes place during the convention. A representative from NISOA will make the presentations. 

For more on the NISOA, visit their website at nisoa.com

For more on the Sabercats Women's Soccer Team, visit their team page here