LEAD

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- To the dismay of the Rockford Invitational competition, the Sabercats picked up right where they left off yesterday by posting two more clean sweeps this afternoon.

North Central and Moody both fell to an offensive onslaught for MBU, who come away from the weekend with four straight sweeps.

OVERVIEW

• Results: 
  • Maranatha 3-0 North Central (25-12, 25-22, 25-19)
  • Maranatha 3-0 Moody (25-11, 25-19, 25-20)
• Venue: Seaver Center, Rockford University
• Location: Rockford, Ill.
• Record: MBU (5-2), NCU (5-6), MBI (1-7)

STORY

North Central (Upper Midwest Athletic Conference): The Sabercats were seamless in their matchup against their former NCCAA regional opponent, dominating the play from start to finish. The closest NCU came was a 22-point performance in the second frame, but that was nothing more than a parting shot after an 8-0 mid-set run from MBU put the Rams out of reach. Claire Hansel continued her impressive form with 13 kills and 11 digs, and Jessica Ureke led the way defensively with 15 digs in the match. Kelsey Johnson was one kill shy of another triple-double (9 kills, 23 assists, 10 digs), and Karley Johnson notched seven kills, 12 assists, and eight digs. 

Once again, the Sabercats showed their depth, variety, and determination. After three straight sweeps, they were in the zone and feeling a fourth.

Moody (NCCAA North Region): Maranatha limited their NCCAA North Region rivals to just over six kills per set in the final match of the weekend, and that was a microcosm of the Sabercats' stellar play against their competition. Gabrielle Carpenter posted a season-high 11 kills and Karley Johnson matched the 11-kill tally while adding 18 assists. McKenzie Janke's mark of 12 digs was the second-highest in the match for MBU, outdone only by Kelsey Johnson, who registered six kills, 20 assists, and 13 digs in the Moody match.

It was a showcase of balance and tenacity, as the Sabercats came away from the weekend with a clean slate and a newfound determination for the week ahead of them.

STATS (two matches)

• Hansel: 20 K, 24 D
• Kelsey: 15 K, 43 A, 23 D
• Karley: 18 K, 30, 16 D
• Janke: 21 D
• MBU: 80 kills even for the second day in a row
• Series: Maranatha leads North Central 18-2 in the all-time series 
• Series: Maranatha leads Moody 39-10 in the all-time series 

NEXT

The Sabercats will begin their home matches with an 8:00 p.m. matchup with Mount Mary on Tuesday. Follow stats at mbusabercats.com/schedule.