CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The Sabercats were as close as they've been to a win so far this season, but a late Blackburn Beavers goal gave the hosts a 1-0 win on a disappointing day in Illinois.

The Sabercats will continue their away trip with a showdown at Eureka tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. Central.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-1 Blackburn
• Venue: Blackburn College
• Location: Carlinville, Ill.
• Attendance: 105
• Record: MBU (0-4), BC (2-3)

STORY
A couple of shots from Samanatha Sipla and one from Lillian Cook kept the Sabercats on close terms with the Beavers in the first half, which yielded no goals for either team. Chloe Dodd had to make 6 saves to keep Blackburn off of the board, as it became clear near the close of the half that the Beavers would dominate the shot category.

The Sabercats needed something special from Dodd, and they got just that, as the junior goalkeeper went on to make 13 saves on the day. But the only shot that beat her was the difference-maker, as Amelia Brown weaved her way into the right side of the Sabercats' penalty area before firing a shot to the near post to beat Dodd in the 78th minute.

It was revenge for Blackburn, who reversed last year's 5-0 loss in Watertown with a shutout win on their home field.

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Maranatha Starters: 0- Dodd (C), 2- Sipla, 4- Wilson, 5- Pileggi, 6- Strauch, 7- Smith (C), 10- Cook, 11- Schroeder, 16- Paez, 17- Kennedy, 18- Stertz

STATS

• Last time: Maranatha won 5-0 at home in 2024
• Series: The Sabercats lead the all-time series 3-2

OPPONENTS

• Blackburn competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Blackburn finished last year with a 0-13-1 record

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Eureka tomorrow for a 1:00 PM kickoff. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.