March 6, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats brought the energy to their home floor tonight but they couldn't bring home the win, falling in straight sets to Viterbo University after a thrilling final set.

This was the second of only three home matches this season for the Sabercats, who will host Mount Mercy next Tuesday night in the home closer.

OVERVIEW

• Final: Maranatha 0-3 Viterbo (18-25, 13-25, 23-25)
• Venue: Gymnasium - Maranatha Baptist University
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Records: MBU (0-27), VU (6-13)

STORY   

Maranatha started the match with the same energy and resolve, as they swung with confidence right out of the gate. Jacob Valeria, Tyler Lacock, and Titus Huston all brought the kills to keep the Sabercats in it early on, but the V-Hawks pulled away in the middle of the set to take a 25-18 win. Just when the Sabercats tried to gain momentum, the V-Hawks were answering, as they compiled 16 kills in the first set alone.

STRAIGHT

DOWN

BY

TYLER

�������� pic.twitter.com/4YB43UT8PG

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) March 7, 2023

The second set started in favor of the visitors, as their 7-1 run was interrupted by a kill and a block from Valeria to give the Sabercats early life. But that was the only real momentum the Sabercats had to build off in the second stanza, as the V-Hawks minimized the energy in the gym to win 25-13.

The final set was the thriller, as Maranatha looked to be on the verge of taking their first set of the season. Maranatha went on a 5-0 run late on in the set to set up the tight finish, and that run was capped off by a precise tip from Daniel Says to energize the fans.

�� DANIEL ��

�� 20-19 �� pic.twitter.com/BmgFw1yXRG

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) March 7, 2023

Maranatha's determination gave them a 22-21 lead, as three late kills from Lacock brought the near-full house to its feet and gave the Maranatha faithful a new voice. 

But the V-Hawks were unshakeable. Jacob Nonn, the visitors' protagonist, put down two kills late in the set to give them a hard-earned, narrow win at 25-23. It was the last laugh of the night, as the V-Hawks held on for the straight-set sweep.

Win or lose.

This is home. pic.twitter.com/BUIUFRY179

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) March 7, 2023

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Maranatha Starters: 1- Smith, 2- Mueller, 7- Lacock, 8-Hoffmann (Libero), 12- Says, 13- Huston, 17- Valeria

STATS 

• Box Score
• Last time: Viterbo swept Maranatha 3-0 on February 26, 2022
• Series: Viterbo leads the all-time series against Maranatha 8-0

OPPONENTS

• Viterbo competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Viterbo finished the 2022 season with a 12-8 record

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Adrian, Michigan for the Adrian Tri on Saturday, March 11. They will play Adrian and Hiram at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. EST respectively. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.