GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Sabercats battled like they've never battled before today, fighting until the last second of a 3-0 loss to Great Lakes in the 2024 NCCAA Midwest Region Championship.

Chloe Dodd had a season-best performance, notching 19 saves to sustain life for the Sabercats, who held Great Lakes scoreless until the second half. With the loss, the Sabercats' season ends at 9-8-0 - the first winning record for the program since their national-championship-winning year in 2020.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-3 No. 3 Great Lakes
• Venue: Velting Field, Grace Christian University
• Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Attendance: 50
• Record: MBU (9-8-0), GLCC (9-5-4)

STORY

The Sabercats' defense was tenacious in the opening 45 minutes, as they withstood an onslaught of Crusader attacks, only to come through every time they were tested. Dodd had to make 10 saves in the half, but most of them were routine, as the Sabercats defenders made it hard for Great Lakes to get a clear look at goal.

The Crusaders' persistence finall paid off in the second half, however, as they scored the opening goal just minutes after Megan Prigge hit a free kick on goal from inside of 30 yards. The Crusaders' goal came off of a counter-attack that Meela York put away from the side of the penalty area. Great Lakes added a second goal just 10 minutes later, and rode the newfound momentum to score their third just before the 70-minute mark.

Chelsea Graham was the only other Sabercat to register a shot on goal, as Maranatha fought all the way to the finish in a Midwest Region Championship to remember.

It was the final game in Maranatha colors for seven seniors: Esther Bishop, Faith Dargy, Chelsea Graham, Danelle Habegger, Sara Herrera, Lauren Schmidt, and Taylor Warner.

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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

• Dodd: season-best 19 saves (career-best is 20)
• Last time: Great Lakes won 6-0 at home in October
• Series: The Crusaders now lead the all-time series 5-1-0

OPPONENTS

• Great Lakes competes with the Sabercats in the NCCAA Midwest Region
• Great Lakes won the 2022 NCCAA DII National Championship
• Great Lakes has held the #2 and #3 national ranking in first two Top 10 rankings this season

NEXT

A full recap of the season will be coming at mbusabercats.com.