December 9, 2022 | by Taylor Pill

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The 2022 season didn't finish as the Sabercats hoped but a 25-7 record, a National Semifinal finish, and significant achievements along the way stand as a tribute to the diligence of Coach Regina DeLozier, who finished her 16th and final season at the helm of Maranatha Women's Volleyball.

::

A WINNING TRADITION

Coach Regina DeLozier marked her final season at the helm with her usual winning tradition. DeLozier led the team to 14 straight wins in the middle of the season - a winning streak that had stood since the 2014 season. And when the Sabercats swept Faith on October 15th, it solidified a spotless 5-0 record on the home floor for the season.

The win not only marked the fifth consecutive home win for the 2022 season, but it also marked the 22nd consecutive home win for the program. A fitting milestone win for a prolific coach. At the conclusion of DeLozier's final match in charge on the home floor, the Maranatha family in the gym that day shared in a fitting farewell ceremony for DeLozier, who was surrounded by current and former players as they shared their thanks:

-

The Sabercats went on to sweep through the 2022 NCCAA North Region Tournament, taking their ninth consecutive regional championship without dropping a single set against Faith Baptist and North Central. With the recent winning streak and the regional success behind them, they were primed and ready to take their shot at reclaiming the NCCAA National Title that had eluded them since 2017.

The Sabercats opened with a win against #5 Toccoa Falls thanks to a Nationals-MVP-worthy performance from Mattie Bumpus, who captured the nation's top honor for the second year straight. Bumpus then led the team to a routine sweep of #8 Johnson to qualify them for the National Semifinal, and the situation was clear: Beat Arlington Baptist and go to the championship.

But the dream died there. The Southwest Region powerhouse went past the Sabercats in straight sets, ending the Sabercats' nationals run in the National Semifinal.

For DeLozier, it was the 11th time in 16 seasons that she led a team to the NCCAA Final Four.

The Sabercats received a number of additional awards, which are highlighted below.

::

FROM COACH DELOZIER

"It was a privilege to work with the ladies volleyball team this year," said DeLozier. "I learned a great deal from the players. The culture of the team was their most outstanding feature. They had a genuine fondness one for another and grew into a powerful team in just a few short months. I learned a great deal from the coaches as well. We ended our season with a 25-7 record. What a season for me to end my 30-year coaching career with the last 16 of those years at MBU.

"What a wonderfully rewarding and blessed season! This team made my final year one of sweet memories! They are funny, serious, competitive, and willing to please the Lord. Thank you, ladies, for the gift of being called, 'Coach'."

::

OVERVIEW

• Record: 25-7
• NCCAA Record: 13-2
• NCCAA Finish: National Pool Play
• Notable: Ninth consecutive NCCAA regional title
• Notable: Mattie Bumpus - NCCAA DII National Player of the Year for the second straight year
• Notable: Eighth National Player of the Year Award for the program
• Notable: DeLozier - NCCAA North Region Coach of the Year

::

AWARDS

Recently, the Sabercats announced their team awards at the Fall Athletic Awards Assembly, which are listed below. In addition to these honors, the student-athletes earned awards from the National Christian College Athletic Association.

::

For more on the program, visit their team page here.