February 12, 2022 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

ELGIN, Ill. -- The Sabercats ground out a thrilling five-set win over Roosevelt University at the Judson Invitational on Saturday before finishing the final day of the tournament with a straight-set loss to the hosts.

The results gave the Sabercats a 1-3 record for the weekend, as they continue to test themselves against stringent NAIA opponents.

OVERVIEW

• Final: Maranatha 3-2 Roosevelt (25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13)
• Final: Maranatha 0-3 Judson (6-25, 10-25, 14-25)
• Venue: Lindner Fitness Center, Judson University
• Location: Elgin, Ill.
• Attendance: --
• Records: Maranatha (2-11), Roosevelt (0-7), Judson (14-2) 

STORY

The Roosevelt game was a marathon, so it was fitting it came down to a 15-13 scoreline in the fifth and final set. It was a thriller.

Phillip Holbrook recorded a season-best 22 kills and a career-best 21 assists, once again proving his versatility. Holbrook was just three digs shy of a triple-double and he added two aces and two blocks - arguably his best performance of the 2022 campaign. James Rossiter added a dozen kills and Jacob Valeria posted a career-high 11 kills. Zach Mueller notched his second-best assists mark of the season, logging 27 to combine with Holbrook for 48.

All in all, the Sabercats' performance against Roosevelt was worthy of winning any game, as they held off Roosevelt's attempts and outlasted the Lakers in a five-set frenzy.

The final match of the weekend came against the red-hot Judson University Eagles, who just beat out Goshen College - one of the teams receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 15 poll. Judson University's season rolls on with a record of 14-2, making them one of the targeted teams in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and in the conversation of a national ranking. The Eagles held the Sabercats to just 30 points in the three-set match, making a statement to close out their own invitational.

Holbrook was named to the all-tournament team, as he finished the weekend with 44 kills, 40 assists, 13 digs, six aces, and seven blocks in just 14 sets.

--

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

STATS 

• Box Score: Roosevelt
• Box Score: Judson
• Series: This was the first time Maranatha and Roosevelt have competed in Men's Volleyball
• Series: Judson leads the all-time series over Maranatha 4-0

OPPONENTS

• Roosevelt competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Roosevelt premiered their Men's Volleyball program in the 2020-21 season
• Judson competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Judson is on pace to earn their first winning record in program history

NEXT

The Sabercats will host Edgewood on Monday at 6:00 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.