THE LEAD

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Two goals from Alexis Sponable and one from Angel Steuerwald gave the Sabercats a 3-0 win over Rockford University this afternoon.

Sponable's two goals pushed her to 50 career points, and the win kept the Sabercats at a perfect 12-0 in the all-time series against the Regents.

THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 3-0 Rockford
• Venue: Mercyhealth Sportscore Complex
• Location: Rockford, Ill.
• Attendance: 47
• Records: MBU (4-5-1), RU (1-10-0)

THE STORY

Sponable got things started right away, as she put the Sabercats on the board in the fourth minute. The sophomore finished from inside the six-yard box, as she snuck her shot into the bottom left corner for the go-ahead goal. Jacyln Dahl had the setup, as the freshman recorded her first career assists for the blue and gold.

Sponable's second came just under the half-hour mark, and she needed no extra help this time. She created her own space and finished from inside the box to give the Sabercats a little bit of breathing room. Two goals to the good.

Entering halftime, the Sabercats had the two-goal advantage and a 19-5 edge in the shots category - it was mostly one-way traffic so far.

The third and final goal came in the 76th minute when Steuerwald netted her second goal as a Sabercat. Alison Hernandez put Steuerwald through into the Regents' penalty area, and the rookie made no mistake from 12 yards out to give the Sabercats the insurance goal.

At the other end of the field, Hannah Wells and Lindsay Hodgs ensured the shutout with four and three saves, respectively. The duo of goalkeepers both played 45 minutes.

THE SOUND BITE

"So happy for our girls to get back in the win column," said Coach Dave Anderson. "It was a team effort today as every healthy player was able to see the field for significant action this evening. Its always really fun as a coach to see your players all getting a chance to enjoy the game."

THE STATS

• Sponable: 4 shots, 3 on target, 2 goals
• Sponable: 50 career points (24 goals, 2 assists)
• MBU: 10 different players recorded shots
• MBU: second shutout win this season
• Hernandez: 12th career assist
• Series: Maranatha now leads the series, 12-0-0

THE OPPONENTS

• The Regents will rejoin the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference for the 2019 season
• Rockford's lone win this season was a 7-1 dusting of Eureka College on Sep. 1

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will host Mount Mary University for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff Friday. Follow live at mbusabercats.com/composite.