WATERTOWN, Wis. – The 2016-17 season holds promise for the Sabercats, who had a disappointing end to a 10-12 season last year when they fell in the NCCAA Midwest Regional Championship to the Tigers of Grace Bible College. On the year, the Sabercats held a record of 8-4 in NCCAA play against teams from both Division I and Division II.

This year, the Sabercats will face NCCAA opposition 11 times and will look forward to a newly-formed NCCAA North Region that will include seven teams as opposed to three in the old Midwest Region. MBU will also look to capitalize on hosting the NCCAA Regional Tournament in late February.

10 veteran players will don the MBU colors, and eight new players will be added to this year's team.

Games to Mark

The Sabercats will square off against opponents from the newly-formed NCCAA North Region (read more about the new alignment here) on the following dates (home games in bold:)

• Faith Baptist Bible College - 11/18 - 6:00 PM and 12/10 - 2:00 PM
• Moody Bible Institute - 1/28 - 1:00 PM and 2/16 - 2:00 PM
• Providence University College - 2/4 - 5:00 PM

Other key matchups will be the Sabercats' four games against opponents from NCCAA DI: Lincoln Christian (1/14 and 2/18), Trinity Christian (1/20), Trinity International (2/2 and 2/14).

The Sabercats will also face AD3I opponents three times, as they will square off against Illinois Tech twice and Mount Mary once.

In regards to the effect of the new NCCAA North Region, head coach Clayton Morrison is indifferent: "I really do not see the new alignment as creating a negative or positive challenge," Morrison said. "I do look forward to playing some teams that we have not played."

NCCAA North Regional Tournament

The Sabercats will host the 2016-17 NCCAA North Regional Tournament, which will decide the winner of the seven-team North Region. 

The event will be held Thursday-Saturday, February 23-25 in the MBU Gymnasium.

In regards to the regional tournament, Morrison said, "The new alignment will be fun. No predictions on how we will do but am looking forward to having the men's and women's [regional tournament] both at one sight."

Players to Watch

Hanna Glaze - Glaze shone during her first season as a Sabercat. The transfer from Clearwater Christian College was named to the 1st Team AD3I All-Independent Team and the NCCAA Midwest 1st Team All-Region. For the year, Glaze averaged 10.3 points per game, snagged 120 rebounds, and recorded  42 steals. "Hanna Glaze will lead us on the court," said Morrison. "She is having a great preseason."

Lexi Johnson - Johnson has been a standout player during her first two seasons, as she has recorded 397 points while shooting 39.7 from the field. Johnson joined Glaze on the 1st Team for AD3I All-Independent and NCCAA Midwest All-Region, and was an AD3I Honorable Mention selection in 2014-15. Johnson will look to team up with Glaze to spark the offense.

Katie Bender - Bender has seen the floor in nearly every game she has been a part of, and started over half the time during the 2015-16 season.  Bender registered 5.7 points per game from the point guard position last year and registered 78 rebounds and 24 assists.

From Coach Mo

The Sabercats will open play on Tuesday, November 15th when they host Lawrence University at 7:00 PM.

For more on the Women’s Basketball team including all-time records, player profiles, a complete schedule, live video information, and more, visit the team's page