THE LEAD

ROSEVILLE, Minn. -- The Sabercats finally got outside to kick off their 2022 Softball season, only to take a couple of five-inning losses to North Central University.

The two teams return to action to finish the weekend series tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

THE OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 2-14 North Central (5 Innings), Maranatha 7-15 North Central (5 Innings)
• Venue: University of Northwestern
• Location: Roseville, Minn.
• Records: MBU (0-2), NCU (3-8)

THE STORY

They may have started practices on February 1, but this was the first time the Sabercats had faced live pitchers this season. It took Maranatha until the third inning to produce runs from the plate, as a two-RBI single from Laura Brown plated Malia Bullock and Bethany Searle. Eryn Bates almost produced some firepower with the bases loaded, but the freshman's liner to center was caught and the Sabercats left the inning with only two runs scored.

But just when the Sabercats felt like they were in the game at 2-6, the Rams answered with a decisive bottom of the third inning, increasing the lead to 12-2 before closing out the win with two more runs in the fourth.

Opening day was halfway done and the Sabercats were handed the loss, but it wasn't without its bright spots.

The Sabercats showed improvement in game two of the doubleheader, as they upped their run count to seven. Bates made an impact with two hits, one double, and two RBIs.

Even though Maranatha produced seven runs, North Central held them off with a decisive 15-run showing in the second game of the day, marking a second win from an exciting first day of play for the Sabercats' 2022 season.

THE SOUND BITE

"Overall, even though we took two losses, we were pleased with the effort from the girls," said Coach Rob Thompson after the games. "We made good improvement from game one to game two, and it was great to just be outside - we had several girls with multiple-hit days and we had a great effort and overall attitudes from everyone on the team.

"We basically needed to play games to see what we needed to fix and how to move forward, but again - overall very pleased with the efforts and attitudes of everyone. I think we definitely accomplished 'job one' - we represented Maranatha and more importantly, our Lord to the best of our ability. North Central is a much-improved team from last year and we look forward to meeting them again tomorrow."

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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Bullock (2B), Massey (LF), Chaney (C), Brown (CF), Lawver (1B), Bailey (SS), Bates (3B), D'Oyley (RF), Searle (P)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Bullock (2B), Massey (LF), Chaney (C), Brown (SS), Lawver (1B), Bailey (P), Bates (LF), D'Oyley (RF), Searle (CF)

THE STATS

• Box Score (1) 
• Box Score (2)
• MBU: Had 4 student-athletes record multiple hits on the day
• Last series: Maranatha and North Central tied a wild series last year - they combined for 88 runs in two games

THE OPPONENTS

• North Central competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• North Central also competes with Maranatha in the NCCAA DII North Region
• North Central started their 2022 season almost three weeks earlier than they were able to start their 2021 season

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats stay in Minnesota to continue the series with North Central tomorrow at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/composite.