RIPON, Wis. -- The Sabercats ran out of gas in their season-opening matches tonight, falling to Finlandia and Northland in straight sets at the Ripon College Classic.

With the losses, the Sabercats sit at the bottom of the table in the weekend tournament and will face Wisconsin-La Crosse and Ripon tomorrow beginning at 10:00 a.m.

OVERVIEW

• Results:
  • Maranatha 0-3 Finlandia (24-26, 23-25, 11-25)
  • Maranatha 0-3 Northland (21-25, 22-25, 12-25)
• Venue: Doc Weiske Memorial Gymnasium, Ripon College
• Location: Ripon, Wis.
• Event: Ripon College Classic
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (0-2), FIN (1-1), NC (1-1)

STORY

Finlandia: The Sabercats came into their first game of the seasons with a young team, but that youthful group competed well against Finlandia. In sets 1 and 2, the Sabercats battled hard, but ultimately fell short by just 2 points each time (24-26, 23-25). And with the momentum built against them, they were outgunned in set 3 and lost 11-25. Emily Johnson helped her team compete by tallying 21 assists in the first match of the year, which helped spread the offensive production amongst the rest of her teammates. They showed vigor and determination despite the losses.

Northland: After a hard loss, the Sabercats faced much of the same again as they battled but lost the first 2 sets (21-25, 22-25). And just like their previous match, the momentum built up against them, and Northland ran away with the final set (12-25). Despite two tough losses to begin the season, the Sabercats put together some encouraging performances with a youthful squad.

MBU Starters: 3- Johnson, 9- Woller, 10- Greene, 11- Ureke (L), 14- Kemlo, 22- Miller, 24- Rueb

STATS 

• (Stats not yet available)
• Series: Maranatha leads the all-time series against Finlandia 10-2
• Series: Maranatha is now tied in the all-time series against Northland 2-2

OPPONENT

• Finlandia competes in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Northland competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)

NEXT

The Sabercats continue their four-match set at the Ripon Classic tomorrow beginning at 10:00 a.m. against Wisconsin-La Crosse. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.