RIPON, Wis. -- After straight-set losses to Ripon and Wisconsin-La Crosse today, the Sabercats have left the high-powered Ripon College Classic without a win.

The Sabercats are now 0-4 to start the season after a weekend of upperclassmen injuries and increased responsibilities for the freshmen. 

OVERVIEW

• Results: 
  • Maranatha 0-3 Wisconsin-La Crosse (16-25, 13-25, 11-25)
  • Maranatha 0-3 Ripon College (20-25, 20-25, 20-25)
• Venue: Doc Weiske Memorial Gymnasium
• Location: Ripon, Wis.
• Event: Ripon College Classic
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (0-4), UWLX (4-0), RC (3-2)

STORY

Wisconsin-La Crosse: Maranatha were outmatched against the WIAC mainstays, who limited Maranatha to just 40 points in the match. The Eagles put down 18 kills in the third set, attacking at a staggering clip of over 58 percent en route to the straight-set win. On the flip side, La Crosse held Maranatha to just 13 kills in the match.

Eryn Bates, a newcomer to the roster, led Maranatha with 4 kills while Emily Johnson dished out 9 assists. Erica Ureke led the defense with 10 digs.

Ripon: The Sabercats rallied from the offensive struggles of the Wisconsin-La Crosse game, but the Eagles were able to outlast them in straight sets. While they lost in three, they were able to post 20 points in every set. Freshman Melanie Woller led Maranatha's offense with 7 kills while Johnson posted 21 assists and Ureke held strong with 12 digs.

MBU Starters: 3- Johnson, 9- Woller, 10- Greene, 11- Ureke (L), 12- Banks, 14- Kemlo, 22- Miller

ALL-TOURNAMENT

Emily Johnson earned All-Tournament honors after spearheading the Sabercats' offensive efforts on the weekend.

STATS (combined matches) 

• Johnson: 30 assists
• Ureke: 22 digs
• Woller: 7 kills, 10 digs in Ripon match
• Series: Ripon now leads the all-time series 14-11
• Series: Wisconsin-La Crosse now leads the all-time series 2-0

OPPONENT

• Wisconsin-La Crosse competes in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Ripon competes in the Midwest Conference (NCAA DIII)

NEXT

The Sabercats will host Beloit College on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.