Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two spectacular goals came just when the Sabercats needed them most, as Maranatha came up big today at Grace Christian University to knock off the hosts, sweep the season series, and punch their ticket to the NCCAA Midwest Region Championship.
With the win, Maranatha will take on Great Lakes Christian at 11:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow with a shot at the regional title and the berth at NCCAA DII Nationals that comes with it.
OVERVIEW
- Result: Maranatha 2-0 Grace
- Venue: Velting Field, Grace Christian University
- Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Attendance: 50
- Record: MBU (9-7-0), GCU (4-10-0)
STORY
Prigge put the Sabercats on the board after a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes. The senior collected the ball on the right sideline, dribbled around the Tigers' back line, and scored from a tight angle to give the Sabercats the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The halftime break brought a respite from a hard-fought regional classic, as the two teams had traded tackles, fouls, and chances through the opening 45 minutes.
Initial Tiger attacks signaled that the hosts had done anything but concede, and the Sabercats' work was cut out for them in the opening minutes of the second act. Enter
Faith Dargy, who scored a show-stopping long shot from outside the corner of the penalty area. Dargy's bomb sailed over the Tigers goalkeeper before nestling in the far side-netting for one of the goals of the season.
The Sabercats' intense defending calmed the storm in the frantic moments of the second half, as the Tigers' attempts at goal came up short again and again. Two two goals stood, as Prigge and Dargy's heroics sent the Sabercats to the regional championship on a day to remember.
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Maranatha Starters: 0- Dodd, 4- Wilson, 5- Graham (C), 7- Smith, 8- Bishop, 9- Prigge (C), 10- Byers, 11- Schroeder, 13- Schmidt (C), 14- Dargy, 20- Herrera
STATS
- Prigge: now has four goals in the last two games
- Dargy: now have five goals this season
- Last time: Maranatha won 3-1 at Grace in October
- Series: The Sabercats now lead the all-time series 12-5-2
OPPONENTS
- Grace competes with the Sabercats in the NCCAA Midwest Region
NEXT
The Sabercats will stay in Grand Rapids tomorrow for the NCCAA Midwest Region Championship against Great Lakes Christian at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
