RIPON, Wis. -- The Sabercats can feel accomplished after winning their first match of the season against Ripon College on Saturday (3-1). They came close to pulling off another victory in their next match against Luther College but ultimately came up short. In a back-and-forth battle, the Sabercats fell to Luther 2-3.

Although the Sabercats left the tournament with a 1-2 record, they still had much to be proud of having 3 players set career-highs, Bumpus reaching a career milestone, and freshman A. Henkel being named an All-Tournament selection!

OVERVIEW

• Results:
  
  • Maranatha 3-1 Ripon (22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-11)
  • Maranatha 2-3 Luther (25-27, 25-21, 25-23, 14-25, 11-15)
• Venue: Weiske Gymnasium, Ripon College
• Location: Ripon, Wis.
• Event: Ripon College Classic
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (1-2), RC (1-7), LC (3-3)

STORY

RIPON- Coming off of a loss from the previous night, Maranatha started their match against Ripon with fire in their eyes. The game stayed neck and neck all the way through with the Sabercats holding on to the lead by a thread throughout the set. But after a few errors in the final minutes, Ripon was able to gain control of the lead and beat the Sabercats 25-22 in the first set. That is the only win Maranatha would allow for the Red Hawks. The Sabercats were able to keep their composure in the next two sets, which were also extremely close throughout. They pulled through in the end, winning sets two and three with scores of 26-24 and 25-22. The Sabercats went into the fourth set with confidence. They showed the Red Hawks no mercy, winning 25-11. 

Mattie Bumpus played a key role in the Sabercats' win, having 14 kills in the match. Bumpus can be proud knowing she finished the tournament having reached a career milestone of 522 kills. Arielle Henkel and Caitrin Kemlo also helped in the Sabercats' victory by each adding 10 kills to their stats.

LUTHER- The Sabercats would have no time to celebrate their win again the Red Hawks, as they faced off with Luther immediately after. It was another series of tight games for Maranatha. They lost the first set in a nail-biter 25-27. They fought back hard, winning the next two sets 25-21 and 25-23. Unfortunately, that's when the Sabercats ran out of steam. They lost the last two sets 14-25 and 11-15, giving them the L for the match.

Even though they lost the match, the Sabercats won in other areas. Mattie Bumpus set her career high with 18 digs. And coming off of her injury, Emily Johnson set her career high with 50 assists in the match! A true picture of the phrase "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

OVERALL- Maranatha finished out the tournament with a 1-3 record. Freshman Arielle Henkel showed that she is someone to keep an eye on this season, as she was the only Sabercat named an All-Tournament selection. 

Having a week before their next game, the Sabercats will look to work out any kinks and regain their strength.

MBU Starters: 3-Johnson, 4-Reid (Libero), 8-Bumpus, 10-A. Henkel, 13-Bates, 14-Kemlo, 24-Thompson

STATS 

• Johnson: 85 A, career-high 50 assists in Luther match
• A. Henkel: 26 K
• Kemlo: 22 K
• Bumpus: 24 K, career-high 16 digs in Luther match, Milestone: 522 career kills
• Reid: 38 DIGS, career-high 21 digs in Ripon match
• MBU: 98 K, 94 A, 159 DIGS
• Last Time: Ripon defeated Maranatha 3-0 in September of 2021
• Last Time: Luther defeated Maranatha 3-1 in their last match back in 2008
• Series: Ripon leads the all-time series against Maranatha 2-1
• Series: Luther leads the all-time series against Maranatha 2-0

OPPONENT

• Ripon College competes regionally in the Midwest Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Luther College competes regionally in the American Rivers Conference (NCAA DIII)

NEXT

The Sabercats look forward to the Lawrence Tournament next weekend, where they will play four matches. Follow all the action at mbusabercats.com/schedule.