THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 3-1 Rockford
• Venue: Sportscore Two, Rockford, Ill. 
• Attendance: 27
• Record: Sabercats are now 5-6-1
• Next Game for MBU: Friday, October 20 at 1 p.m. at North Central

THE LEAD

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Sabercats topped the Rockford University Regents today thanks to a hat-trick from a familiar freshman.

A treble of goals from Alexis Sponable highlighted a 3-1 win over RU. It was the freshman's third hat-trick this season. 

THE STORY

As she did a week ago, Sponable scored early. Just 4 minutes in, the freshman finished off a well-placed Alyssa Wright cross for the opening goal. 

Rockford equalized in the 21st minute through the feet of Nancy Zuniga, and the score remained 1-1 entering the break.

Wright connected with Sponable again in the second half. In the 69th minute, Sponable collected a cross from Wright to finish a similar goal to her first strike. The Sabercats had the win in sight.

Sponable completed the hat-trick just 7 minutes later, as she drove home a free kick with 15 minutes left in the game to seal the win and the hat-trick in style.

The win marks MBU's 11th consecutive win over the Regents, as the Sabercats hold an undefeated record against Rockford.

THE NUMBERS

Sponable has now scored 15 goals in 12 games this season.

Wright finished the day with 2 assists and 1 shot on goal.

The Sabercats out-shot the Regents 22-7.

THE CALENDAR

The Sabercats travel to Minneapolis to take on North Central University Friday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. Catch the details at mbusabercats.com/composite.