THE LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats showed notable positive signs and made things exciting today, but they couldn't find a win against the Finlandia University Lions.

Alexis Sponable went 2-2 with 3 RBI in the opening game, but the Sabercats were frustrated by the Lions' pitching staff in game two.

THE OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 3-15 Finlandia (5 innings), Maranatha 1-15 Finlandia (5 innings)
• Venue: Brandt-Quirk Park
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: 57
• Records: MBU (3-9), FINNU (8-6)

THE STORY

The Sabercats defense put on a good display in the first game. Malia Bullock had an unassisted double play with an impressive catch on a line drive, and Maranatha shut Finlandia out in the first and third innings. But a couple of Finlandia hitting streaks made the key difference in the opener.

Alexis Sponable made the game interesting by driving in all 3 runs for MBU. The senior smacked a 2-run RBI double in the fourth inning to make the game 3-8 in favor of Finlandia, but a big 7-run inning in the fifth ultimately swung the momentum for the Lions. Sponable and Krysten Lawver both went 2-2 as the Sabercats chalked 6 hits.

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The second game was all about the Lions in the early going. Finlandia scored 10 runs in the top of the second inning to get the game firmly in their control. Erin Yancey knocked an RBI single to plate Hannah Hecker in the bottom of the fourth, but that was the only scoring the Sabercats could muster in the second game of the night. Kyndell Coffman notched eight strikeouts in the circle for Finlandia, whose defense shined for the doubleheader sweep.

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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Bullock (2B), Hecker (CF), Thome (SS), Chaney (C), Yancey (P), Bailey (1B), Lawver (DP), Nerat (3B), Sponable (LF), Thompson (FL/RF)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Bullock (2B), Hecker (RF), Thome (SS), Chaney (C), Yancey (CF), Bailey (P), Lawver (1B), Nerat (3B), Sponable (LF)

THE SOUND BITE

"Overall, the girls did a good job tonight and we made some good improvements," said Coach Rob Thompson. "Krysten Lawver and [Alexis Sponable] had some really good at-bats to keep us in the first game. We're definitely making improvements but still need to make the routine plays to be able to stay in the games. We're thankful for the opportunity just to play games in some beautiful weather, and we're looking forward to closing our season out next weekend against Mount Mary."

THE STATS

• Box Score Game 1
• Box Score Game 2

THE OPPONENTS

• Finlandia competes in the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference
• Finlandia finished the abbreviated 2020 season with a 4-10 record
• Finlandia is slated to compete at the Coast to Coast Championships in Waukesha, Wisconsin in May

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats travel to Mount Mary for a doubleheader on Friday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m. in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Follow at mbusabercats.com/composite.