LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercat's season came to an unfortunate end after their double-header called called in the fourth-inning of game two due to unsafe playing conditions. Maranatha and Grace battled it out in the rain for as long as they can, ending with Grace on top in game one, and Maranatha on the verge of a comeback in game two. 

The Sabercats scored their season high on the day finishing with a combined seven runs, with more within reach. 

OVERVIEW

• Results
  • Game One: Maranatha 3-23 Grace (5-innings)
  • Game Two: Canceled 
• Venue: Brandt-Quirk Park
• Attendance: 40
• Records: MBU (0-29), GCU (8-19)

STORY 

As the teams took to the field to start the game, the rain started to come down. Both Maranatha and Grace got on the scoreboard early, keeping things tight after the first inning with a score of 2-2.

But things took an unfortunate turn for the Sabercats in the top of the second as they could not seem to catch a break in the field. The Tigers put up eight runs to extend their score 10-2. Over the next two innings, while Maranatha was able to get into scoring positions they were unable to produce any more runs. 

Still, they fought to the end, allowing Grace only two runs in both the third and fourth. But Grace had one more powerful inning in the fifth, producing another nine runs to push the already placed dagger further in the Sabercats side. 

But Maranatha kept going until their final out, giving it their all in their final chance at the plate. They were able to bring in one more run before the close of the game, finishing 3-23. 

The rain continued to come down into the second game, and the field started to turn into a pool of mess and mud. But that didn't stop the teams from coming back out. While the Tigers came out to an early lead, Maranatha started out just as strong, earning a 3-2 lead at the close of the first. 

Grace took the next couple innings to gain an 11-3 cushion over the Sabercats, but Maranatha wasn't ready to give up quite yet. Sabercats kept their eyes sharp at the bottom of the fourth, taking advantage of wild pitches and moving around the bases until they were full. Things were looking promising as the Tiger's pitcher continued to struggle, but just as Maranatha brought in their fourth run the officials called the game quits. 

While the teams were due to meet the next day for another double-header that would close out the Sabercats season and Coach Thompson's coaching career, the field was left in a condition that couldn't recover in the short period of time. 

The Sabercats season ended in an unfortunate way, but displayed their strength and heart by the way they continued to fight until the very end, despite the unfavoring conditions. 

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SOUND BITE 

"We were thankful to get the games in on Friday, but I didn't know they would be the last of my career," said Head Coach Rob Thompson. "We were on the verge of a comeback in game two when the field was deemed unplayable and the game was suspended. And then, on Saturday the games were canceled. Despite the disappointment on teh canceled game, we had a great time with the team and many parent's, (some who traveled as far as Calif. and Utah to be with their daughters). I am grateful for the opportunity to coach softball and the blessing of a great team of young women to end my career. Our goal all year was to honor Christ, and I believe we did just that! Praise Him!"

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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Melville (C), Searle (P), Strauch (SS), Malmanger (2B), Nerat (1B), Mullikin (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Swaffer (CF), Gaul (RF)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Melville (C), McIntyre (P), Strauch (SS), Malmanger (2B), Nerat (1B), Searle (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Swaffer (CF), Gaul (RF)

STATS

• Last Time: Maranatha fell 0-18 and 0-8 against Grace earlier this season on April 6
• Series: Grace leads 5-0 in the series against Maranatha

OPPONENTS

• Grace Christian competes in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (Dll - Midwest Region)
• This is Grace Christian's first season as a program

NEXT

This concludes the Sabercats 2024 season. Maranatha would like to give a special thanks to Coach Thompson for his years of dedication to the program. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.