LEAD

MINNEAPOLIS -- Maranatha saw an early two-goal lead erased today, as they fell to North Central University 3-2 in the Twin Cities.

It was North Central's first win of the season, so after that hot start, it ended up being a cold day for Maranatha in more ways than one.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 2-3 North Central
• Venue: Elliot Park, North Central University
• Location: Minneapolis
• Attendance: 70
• Records: MBU (5-6-0), NCU (1-11-0)

STORY

The scoring began in the fifth minute when Alexis Sponable passed the ball wide to a wide-open Kseniya Hassenplug, who dribbled into the side of the Rams' penalty area before firing it into the back of the net. It was Hassenplug's third goal in two games and it sparked life into Maranatha.

Just over 10 minutes later, Sponable turned from provider to finisher, as she buried a chance from near the top of the penalty area into the bottom-left corner. Just like that, it was 2-0 Maranatha.

But the hot start was quickly counteracted by a two-goal stretch for North Central. Annika Wollner and Emma Brekhus both netted for North Central later in the half, and the Rams had tied the game with 10 minutes to go in the opening act - a score that would stay the same entering the break.

The second half was a stalemate through the opening 20 minutes. Neither team was able to solve the defense and create clear scoring chances. But with just over 10 minutes left, Brianna Peters scored the decisive goal for North Central, as she put home the winner after collecting her own rebound.

The loss knocks the Sabercats below .500 for the season, as they will look to get above that mark by season's end.

MBU Starters: 0- Wright, 5- Hassenplug, 6- Montgomery (C), 7- Evans, 10- Riley, 11- Torres, 13- Bagin, 14-Sponable, 15- Hendrickson, 17- Moses, 19- Steuerwald

STATS

• Hassenplug: 3 goals in 2 games
• Sponable: 12 goals this season, 45 career goals
• Last year: Maranatha beat North Central 6-1 at MBU
• Series: Maranatha now leads the all-time series 9-1-0

OPPONENTS

• The Rams compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• NCU used to compete with the Sabercats for the NCCAA North Region

NEXT

The Sabercats will travel to Ankeny, Iowa to take on Faith Baptist Bible College on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.