ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- The red-hot Bethel Royals scored 2 late goals today to seal the win and deny Maranatha in the opening game of the season.

Ten freshmen made their college debuts in the game, as a young and promising Sabercats team finally had a chance to test their depth.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-4 Bethel
• Venue: Ona Orth Athletic Complex, Bethel University
• Location: Arden Hills, Minn.
• Attendance: 112
• Record: MBU (0-1-0), BU (4-0-0)

STORY

Bethel tested Maranatha early, but the Sabercats' defense didn't budge until the 30th minute, when Jack Hanson broke through at the back post for the opener. Braeden Hansel found Grant Kirchner for a chance in the first half, and Kyle Cummins notched a shot on goal, but that was as close as the Sabercats would come.

It took the Royals 15 minutes to score in the second half, as Maranatha's defense mostly withstood the barrage. Then Ben Richburg scored twice in a minute late in the game to seal the win for Bethel.

Ian Balyo made 14 saves in his college debut. The following student-athletes marked their college debuts in the loss: Brad Brock, Ben Price, Aaron Jones, Michael Cripps, Mike Davis, Grant Kirchner, Matthew Harris, Philip Holloway, and Ethan Cooper.

Maranatha Starters: 00- Balyo, 3- Elms (C), 5- Jones, 9- Wright (C), 10- Schmidt, 11- Cummins, 16- Kirchner, 18- P. Holloway, 20- Cooper (C), 21- Hansel (C), 23- Perkins

STATS

• Cummins: 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
• Richburg: 2 goals for Bethel
• Balyo: 14 saves
• Series: Bethel now leads the all-time series 1-0

OPPONENTS

• Bethel competes regionally in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Bethel began its season with a 2-1 victory over Northwestern
• Bethel is now 4-0 on the season and has yet to begin MIAC competition

NEXT

The Sabercats will stay in Minnesota to take on North Central tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.