LEAD
WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats had their hands full in their home opener tonight, falling in straight sets to Lakeland University on Parents' Day.
Maranatha started with a decent showing in the first set but ultimately couldn't keep pace with the spirited and hard-hitting Muskies.
OVERVIEW
- Final: Maranatha 0-3 Lakeland (20-25, 11-25, 10-25)
- Venue: MBU Gymnasium - Maranatha Baptist University
- Location: Watertown, Wis.
- Event: Home Opener/Parents' Day
- Attendance: 218
- Records: MBU (0-13), LU (3-7)
STORY
The Sabercats came out with home-game energy in front of a packed crowd, swinging their way out to a tight opening exchange. Things seemed to be bouncing Maranatha's way, as five kills from Tyler Lacock and four from Daniel Says kept Maranatha in it. But ultimately, Lakeland put up the kills when it mattered most, matching a first-set dozen kills from the Sabercats to take a 25-20 win in the opener.
Says started the second set with three straight kills, but Maranatha quickly yielded the momentum to the Muskies, who put up a 13-3 run to take control of the set with a 10-point lead. That early run was anough to swing the momentum for good, as the Sabercats couldn't regain any offensive rhythm. Late hitting errors minimized any chance of a comeback for Maranatha, who let an 11-25 set win slide to the Muskies.
The third set was all about the Muskies, who had found their groove with full conviction. An 11-1 run to start the set was all the Muskies needed to stay in control, and when the visitors cruised to an 18-4 lead while swinging at a clip of over 53 percent, it was looking like the final score was a done deal.
Coach Shawn Spencer called a timeout to cool the Muskies off, and the Sabercats were able to scrap up a couple of quick points, but the Muskies dropped the hammer soon enough. A couple of late kills and a solo block was all the Muskies needed to seal off the straight-set win over the Sabercats in Watertown.
Says ended the night with a team-best eight kills while Lacock pitched in five. Luke Nason passed a near-perfect serve receive with just one error in 21 receptions. Caleb Goetz led the Sabercats' defense with seven digs.
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Maranatha Starters: 3- Yenger, 6- Goetz, 7- Lacock, 12- Says, 13- Huston, 14- Nason (Libero), 20- Valeria
SERIES
- Last time: Lakeland swept Maranatha 3-0 on March 2, 2023
- Series: Lakeland leads 4-0 in the all-time series against Maranatha
OPPONENTS
- Lakeland competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA Dlll)
- Lakeland finished the 2023 season with a record of 7-17
NEXT
Maranatha stay in Watertown, Wisconsin to take on Viterbo on Tuesday, February 20 at 7 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com
