RIPON, Wis. --  The Sabercats were outmatched against the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University today at the Ripon Red Hawks Invitational. The Cardinals won the match 3-0. But the Sabercats came out stronger in their second match of the day against Finlandia University and took down the Lions, 3-0.

OVERVIEW

• Results:
  • Maranatha 0-3 Saint Mary's (16-25, 19-25, 12-25)
  • Maranatha 3-0 Finlandia (25-17, 25-19, 25-12)
• Venue: Weiske Gymnasium, Ripon College
• Location: Ripon, Wis.
• Event: Red Hawks Invitational
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (6-4), SMU (7-7), FinU (0-14)

STORY

SAINT MARY'S - It's been another busy weekend for the Sabercats. After spending their Friday in Dubuque, Iowa where they beat Emmaus College 3-0, Maranatha returned home to Watertown only to turn right around and head back to Ripon, Wis. to compete on day two of the Red Hawks Invitational. They began their day with a match-up against Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The Cardinals came into the match with something to prove, having just lost to Lakeland earlier in the morning. They put up 6 blocks against the Sabercats and smashed down 37 kills. Maranatha just couldn't find the energy to fight back. With only 22 kills and unable to put up a single block, the Sabercats' front row was not able to produce the results necessary to keep them in the game. The Cardinals would ultimately soar to a 3-0 win, finishing off the Sabercats 25-12 in the third set.  

FINLANDIA - The Sabercats woke up in their second match where they faced off against the Lions of Finlandia University. Maranatha showed the Lions the same courtesy they were shown by the Cardinals and defeated them in a quick three sets. Maranatha's front row seemed to have a little more energy at this point and put up some more usual statistics. Emily Johnson, who had 41 assists in the match, found much help from her hitters Delaney Thompson (10 kills), Mattie Bumpus (9 kills),  and Caitrin Kemlo (8 kills) who had a combined 27 of Maranatha's 41 kills. 

MBU Starters: 3-Johnson, 4-Reid (Libero), 6-Bailey, 8-Bumpus, 14-Kemlo, 21-A. Henkel, 24-Thompson

STATS (two matches combined)

• Johnson: 63 A, 21 DIGS
• Reid: 32 DIGS
• Thompson:15 K, 19 DIGS
• MBU: 63 K, 63 A, 131 DIGS
• Last Time: Maranatha defeated Finlandia 3-2 in September of 2021
• Last Time: St. Mary's defeated Maranatha 3-2 in September of 2006
• Series: Maranatha leads in the all-time series against Finlandia 13-2
• Series: Maranatha trails the all-time series against St. Mary's 0-2

OPPONENT

• Finlandia University competes regionally in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Finlandia University finished the 2021 season with a 9-13 record
• Saint Mary's University competes regionally in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Saint Mary's University finished the 2021 season with a 7-20 record

NEXT

The Sabercats will return to Watertown, Wisconsin for their home opener against Alverno, Tuesday at 7:30 P.M. Follow all the action at mbusabercats.com/schedule.