February 11, 2022 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

ELGIN, Ill. -- The Sabercats had their hands full to start the Judson Invitational this weekend, fighting to the finish in competitive three-set losses to Olivet Nazarene and Lincoln.

This was the first of two days of matches, as the Sabercats take on Roosevelt (9:30 a.m.) and Judson (5:00 p.m.) tomorrow to conclude the weekend.

OVERVIEW

• Final: Maranatha 0-3 Olivet Nazarene (23-25, 14-25, 14-25)
• Final: Maranatha 0-3 Lincoln (14-25, 21-25, 19-25)
• Event: Judson Invitational
• Venue: Lindner Fitness Center, Judson University
• Location: Elgin, Ill.
• Attendance: --
• Records: Maranatha (1-10), Olivet Nazarene (2-13), Lincoln (2-6)

STORY

Olivet Nazarene: The first set of the day turned out to be the closest, as the Sabercats came storming back from a 20-15 deficit to tie things up at 22. Two late kills from Phillip Holbrook kept the Tigers on the edge of their seats, but they managed to pull out the 23-25 win in the set despite the late pressure from MBU.

It seemed like the Sabercats spent their powder in the opening set, as they could only put 14 down on Olivet in both of the next two sets. Jaiton Kamaunu was the primary protagonist for Olivet, as he put up 10 kills in the match. Holbrook led MBU with eight.

Lincoln: The Lynx looked menacing right out of the gate, as they registered 24 kills in the first two sets combined while swinging right around 40 percent. The offensive power paid off for the Lynx, as they took the first set 25-14 while staying in control of the match. Despite the incessant swinging from Lincoln, the Sabercats rallied to post 21 points in the second, led by late kills from Holbrook, Jacob Valeria, and Aaron Jones.

But the 21-point showing was as close as the Sabercats would come, as the Lynx held Maranatha to 19 points in the third.

All in all, it was a competitive first day for the Sabercats, who will look to improve on these promising performances tomorrow.

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Maranatha Starters: 2- Mueller, 5- Jones, 6- Rossiter, 7- Lacock, 10- Warner, 12- Holbrook, 13- Holloway (L)

STATS 

• Box Score: Olivet Nazarene
• Box Score: Lincoln
• Series: Maranatha had never faced Olivet Nazarene or Lincoln in Men's Volleyball

OPPONENTS

• Olivet Nazarene competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Olivet Nazarene premiered their Men's Volleyball program in 2020-21
• Lincoln competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Lincoln finished the 2019 season with a 15-9 record but have been winless since 2020

NEXT

The Sabercats continue at the Judson invite tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.