SCHEDULE | ROSTER | DOWNLOADABLE CALENDAR

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Friday and Saturday, the 2021 Maranatha Softball season will begin with back-to-back doubleheaders in Minneapolis against North Central University. 

Usually, a season preview is a refresher of a program's context - a comparison of this season to last season in terms of roster and schedule. But last year was 2020. The Maranatha Softball season was canceled just days before it began, after weeks of tedious indoor practice. A season cancellation is devastating on its face, but it came after the 2019 season was also called off due to numerous extenuating circumstances regarding student-athlete participation. 

So the last game for the program was 2018, and just two returning student-athletes competed in that game - a 4-3 win over Silver Lake to end the season. It's a new roster, it's a new season, and the team is setting new goals for 2021.

They're beginning again.

"[We're] excited and anxious to get on the field," said Marantha Athletic Director and Softball Head Coach, Rob Thompson. "The team has been focused, dedicated, and working hard to prepare. [The canceled seasons have] been both a challenge and a point of focus. . . trying to prepare a relatively new team for the season. It is impossible to replicate game experience and seasoned players when you haven’t had games or seasons for the past two years. I am thrilled to coach this group of ladies, and we are excited to see what happens!"

Thompson's goals focus on the team's mindset as they approach the season.

"[We want to] enjoy the experience regardless of how many games we play or win," Thompson said. "Certainly, we are doing everything possible with our limited facility and opportunity to practice on a regular field, but the team has been dedicated and working hard in the process of preparing physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our goal is first and foremost to honor the Lord with our preparation, effort, and play. . . if we do that, we will consider the season a success regardless of the number of games or wins."

AT A GLANCE

• The team returns 2 student-athletes from its last game/season
• The schedule features 5 home doubleheaders
• The schedule features 18 games on 9 different dates 

HOME GAMES

• 3/26 (Friday) vs Rockford - 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.
• 4/3 (Saturday) vs Cardinal Stritch - 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.
• 4/16 (Friday) vs Finlandia - 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.
• 4/17 (Saturday) va Finlandia - 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.
• 4/24 (Saturday) vs Mount Mary - 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW

• mbusabercats.com/schedule - visit for gameday information including directions, live statistics, and live video.
• Twitter (@MBUSabercats) - visit to join gameday and season-long conversation about Maranatha Athletics.
• Facebook (/MBUSabercats) - visit for photo galleries, live video, and regular updates.
• Instagram (@mbusabercats)