WATERTOWN, Wis. -- After months of uncertainty, it's certain that the Sabercats are back, ready, and off to a winning start for the fall of 2020.

With a decisive sweep of Oak Hills Christian College, the Sabercats are off and running at this weekend's Faith Spikefest Tournament.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 3-0 Oak Hills Christian (25-14, 25-8, 25-14)
• Venue: Nettleton Center, Faith Baptist Bible College
• Location: Ankeny, Iowa
• Attendance: 12
• Records: MBU (1-0), OHCC (0-1)

STORY

Early kills from Claire Hansel and Caitrin Kemlo set the tone for a sharp season-opener for MBU. A 10-2 mid-set run put the Wolfpack out of reach, as the Sabercats cruised to a 25-14 win riding the momentum of an error-free attack.

The second set was a similar story. Erica Ureke led the defense with eight digs as the libero, and after a 25-8 win, the Sabercats were anticipating an early bedtime.

The third set yielded a repeat scoreline from the first, as Hansel, Regina Anderson, and Mattie Bumpus propelled the Blue and Gold to the decisive sweep. Emily Johnson shined in her collegiate debut, making things easy for the Sabercats' hitters with 26 assists on the night.

MBU Starters: 3- Johnson, 4- Hansel, 8-Bumpus, 11- Ureke, 14- Kemlo, 23-Anderson, 24- Rueb

STATS 

• Hansel: 10 K, 3 SA, 3 D
• Anderson: 7 K, 6 D
• Bumpus: 7 K
• Johnson: 4 K, 26 A
• Ureke: 4 SA, 8 D
• Debuts: Emily Johnson and Megan Miller made their collegiate debuts tonight
• Series: Maranatha leads the all-time series against Oak Hills, 3-0

NEXT

The Sabercats conclude the weekend tomorrow with matches against Trinity Bible and Faith Baptist, making it three matches this weekend against NCCAA North Region. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.