Maranatha Athletic Communications

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Alumni Day at Maranatha saw hundreds of graduates reconvene on Maranatha's campus with the goal of reconnecting and renewing friendships, both new and old.

After a Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Sara Johnson on Friday night, the annual competitions of Alumni (affectionately dubbed "Crusadercats") against current teams took place today, bringing their usual opportunities. For the collegians, it was a chance to impress coaches and showcase their hard work from preseason. For the Alumni, it was just another chance to prove they've still got it.

Women's Volleyball (Alumnae 3-0 Sabercats - 25-23, 25-13, 25-19)

The Women's Volleyball alumnae produced a high-powered squad that reflects the excellence of the program that Regina DeLozier has crafted over the last 13 seasons. Of the nine graduates, four were former NCCAA National Players of the Year while many of the rest received outstanding recognition or were members of a national championship team:

*Member of an NCCAA National Championship team

The women's volleyball scrimmage is typically a four-set scrimmage regardless of scores, as both squads rotate their players throughout the match. The Alumnae won the match for the second consecutive year.

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Women's Soccer (Alumnae 2-2 Sabercats)

The women's soccer scrimmage proved to be an endurance battle in blazing heat for both teams as it ended with a 2-2 draw. The Alumnae held the lead twice with goals from Alyssa Panlilio (first half) and Mel Prusak (second half), but Makayla Willette and Mallory Willette both scored to even the battle, proving the resolve of the 2021 Sabercats Women's Soccer Team.

McKenna Massey and Alyssa Panlilio (coach) represented the 2020 Women's Soccer NCCAA national championship team:

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Men's Soccer (Alumni 3-2 Sabercats)

To wrap up the events of the day, the men's soccer team battled the heat and faced off with the Alumni who returned. The Alumni featured six players from the 2014 NCCAA national championship team, while several others were NCCAA All-Americans during their careers. The Alumni men provided a sufficient challenge for the young Sabercats, as goals from Eldiiar Amankulov, Nathan Akers, and Kevin Vigneault carried the Alumni to the 3-2 victory.

Braeden Hansel and Isaac Schmidt didn't let the Alumni cruise, however, as the Sabercats pressured them quite a bit in the final minutes.

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For the collegiate teams, the 2021 season begins next week. To stay current on the teams this year, visit mbusabercats.com/schedule.