LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- In a tight match from start to finish, the Sabercats took a narrow five-set loss to Viterbo University tonight.

It was a different story than the Sabercats' earlier-season straight-set loss, but the V-Hawks had the last laugh for the second time this season.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 2-3 Viterbo (25-22, 20-25, 25-22, 18-25, 9-15)
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: 182
• Records: MBU (7-14), VU (11-8)

STORY

The first set was a matter of grit, as the Sabercats had to outlast a spirited defensive effort from the V-Hawks. Maranatha gained momentum later in the set, however, as a Joel Smith ace and an Isaac McKee block capped off a momentum-swinging 5-1 run from MBU, and they would end up with a 25-22 win despite the visitors' efforts at a comeback.

Viterbo fought back in the second set, registering 16 kills in a 25-20 win, and just like that, the match was tied at one.

Viterbo took a commanding 16-9 lead in a pivotal third set, but the Sabercats mounted a high-energy comeback behind a vocal home crowd. A 9-1 run restored the lead at 18-17, and the Sabercats closed out the win with a Phillip Holbrook kill.

Viterbo was unfazed, coming back with a 25-18 win in the fourth set to force another set five in the MBU gym.

With the momentum in their favor, the V-Hawks subdued an early threat from MBU to solidify the five-set win. Joel Depue (14) and Holbrook (13) led the kills count for MBU, but the collective efforts weren't enough against the determined visitors.

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MBU Starters: 3- Massey, 4- McKee, 5- Dafoe, 6- Rossiter, 8- Depue, 12- Holbrook, 13- Wagner (L), 15- Smith

STATS 

• Depue: 14 K, 11 D
• Holbrook: 13 K, 4 D
• Taylor Dafoe: 46 A, 13 D
• McKee: 8 K, 3 D, 4 B
• Rossiter: 6 K, 4 B
• Series: Viterbo now leads the series 4-0

OPPONENTS

• VU competes in the NAIA
• VU competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference

NEXT

The Sabercats will travel to Rockford on Saturday for a 5:00 p.m. start time. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.