LEAD

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The 15th-ranked Mount Mercy University Mustangs were no match for the short-handed Sabercats' squad tonight, as the six-man Maranatha team lost twice in straight sets.

The Mustangs, an NAIA powerhouse, showcased their unusual depth and squad size in the win, swinging their way to two wins to open their season. With the losses, the Sabercats fall to 0-8 for the 2024 campaign.

OVERVIEW

• Final:
  • Match One: Maranatha 0-3 No. 15 Mt. Mercy (6-25, 11-25, 7-25)
  • Match Two: Maranatha 0-3 No. 15 Mt. Mercy (8-25, 7-25, 3-25)
• Venue: Hennessey Rec Center - Mount Mercy University
• Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Records: MBU (0-8), MMU (2-0)

STORY 
The Mustangs swung their way to 14 kills and an overwhelming .765 attack percentage in the opening set, keeping the Sabercats on their heels while sending a message that their home court wasn't to be trifled with.
Maranatha, short-handed due to illness and injury, tried to keep pace after the first set, but from there, the hosts kept the pressure on with their 16-deep squad. Mount Mercy ended up closing out the first match of the day while limiting the Sabercats to just five kills, four of which came from Tyler Lacock. 

The second match of the day showed a similar scoreline, as Mount Mercy held Maranatha to just 18 points in the match. Lacock had to do more defensive work, picking up a career-high 13 digs in the second match of the day.

The Sabercats will look to regroup before another big test this weekend, as they face Adrian College and Concordia University-Chicago this Saturday at the Adrian College triangular.
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Maranatha Starters: 3- Yenger, 6- Goetz, 7- Lacock, 13- Huston, 14- Nason (Libero), 16- Knight, 20- Valeria

STATS 

• Last time: Maranatha was swept 0-3 by Mt. Mercy on March 14, 2023
• Series: Maranatha now trails the series against Mt. Mercy 0-9

OPPONENTS

• Mt. Mercy competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Mt. Mercy finished the 2023 season with a record of 22-7

NEXT

Maranatha travel to Adrian, Michigan to face Adrian and Concordia Chicago on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. EST. Follow at mbusabercats.com