THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 1-3 #9 Judson (14-25, 16-25, 25-22, 15-25) 
• Venue: Linder Fitness Center, Judson University
• Attendance: 76
• Record: Sabercats are now 13-12
• Next Match for MBU: Tuesday, October 17 vs Marian - 7:00 p.m.

THE LEAD

ELGIN, Ill. -- The Sabercats improved their performance against NCCAA DI #9 Judson University tonight, as they took one set off the Eagles in Illinois.

Alexis Bueltel came out swinging and registered 17 kills, 3 block assists, and 14 digs. But despite the standout performance from Bueltel, the Sabercats struggled with offensive consistency on the night and fell to Judson for the second time this season.

THE STORY

Judson had spurts of momentum in the first set, and they limited the Sabercats to 3 points or less at a time. JU's Taylor Konchel had some decisive mid-set kills to put JU up, 13-3, and the hosts closed out the set from there. The Sabercats had some uncharacteristic struggles with their attack in the first set, as 7 hitting errors outweighed just 4 kills for MBU.

The second set went back and forth early on, but after MBU closed the Judson lead to 1 point at 13-14, the hosts went on a tear with an 11-3 run to take an emphatic win. Five different Judson hitters brought their 'A game' to the second set, as they skillfully found the holes in the Sabercats' defense late on.

MBU responded positively in the third set to take a 3-point win. The set was the Sabercats' most dominant offensive display of the night, as they logged 16 kills, 9 of which came from the capable hands of Bueltel. Madeline Suderman (3) and Claire Hansel (2) each contributed multiple kills as well to give the Sabercats a hard-earned set win.

Judson would not be denied their second win of the season over MBU, though, as the Eagles were strong down the stretch to wrap up the match. Judson logged a .333 attack percentage as a team in the final set, which was their cleanest offensive display of the night.

THE NUMBERS

Bueltel's 17 kills marked the most for her in a match this season. This was the 11th time this year that she has registered double digits in that category.

Karley Johnson notched 21 assists. This was the 3rd time this month she has exceeded 20.

Katie Bender (21), Bueltel (14), and Hansel (10) all registered 10 or more digs.

Johnson and Allyson Brimer each registered a solo block. This was Brimer's second appearance in Blue and Gold this season.

For the Eagles, Konchel (19) and Kenzie Ebert (13) combined for 32 kills on the night.

THE CALENDAR

The Sabercats will return home to face the Marian University Sabers Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Sabercats topped the Sabres, 3-0, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin earlier this year.

Catch the details of Friday's match at mbusabercats.com/composite.