RIPON, Wis. -- The injury-laden Sabercats couldn't find a rhythm in their season-opening match, falling in their first three sets to Cardinal Stritch University.

The Sabercats hope to come out stronger tomorrow afternoon when they take on Ripon College and Luther College in back-to-back matches to finish off the tournament.

OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 0-3 Cardinal Stritch (15-25, 11-25, 11-25)
• Venue: Doc Weiske Memorial Gymnasium, Ripon College
• Location: Ripon, Wis.
• Event: Ripon College Classic
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (0-1), CSU (6-5)

STORY

Nerves got the best out of the Sabercats in their first match of the season. The game started with a beautiful volley that ended with freshman Delaney Thompson slamming the ball down for the first point of the season and her first kill as a Sabercat. Unfortunately, the early energy would not last as the Wolves quickly took the lead and never looked back. For most of the first set, Maranatha was able to stay within reach of their opponent but ultimately lost their momentum, losing the set 15-25. They lost the next two sets 11-25.

Out of the five teams at the Ripon College Classic, Maranatha came in as the only team without a game already under their belt. As a fairly young team, that has already suffered some injuries, (which include starting setter Emily Johnson, starting RH Caitrin Kemlo, and RH Hannah Banks), the Sabercats were forced to experiment with a new line-up. Maranatha will take the losses as a learning opportunity and try to come out strong in their upcoming matches tomorrow against Ripon and Luther (12 p.m./2 p.m.).

Freshmen Makaya Cooper, Kiarra Henkel, and Delaney Thompson all made their Sabercat debut.

MBU Starters: 4-Reid (Libero), 8-Bumpus, 9-Woller, 10-A. Henkel, 13-Bates, 22-Miller, 24-Thompson

STATS 

• Official Stats: TBA
• Last Time: Cardinal Stritch defeated Maranatha 3-0 in their last match back in 2009
• Series: Maranatha leads the all-time series against Cardinal Stritch 31-7

OPPONENT

• Cardinal Stritch University competes regionally in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)

NEXT

The Sabercats continue their three-match set at the Ripon Classic tomorrow beginning at 12:00 p.m. against Ripon College. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.