LEAD

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. — With an onslaught of goals on the road, the Sabercats' persistence has paid off for their first win of the season, topping Andrews University 5-1.

Amelia Schroeder scored twice while freshmen Julia Kennedy and Samantha Sipla bagged their first college goals; Alayna Smith rounded out the scoring on a day to remember for the 2025 squad.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 5-1 Andrews
• Venue: Gilbert Field, Andrews University
• Location: Berrien Springs, Mich.
• Attendance: 50
• Record: MBU (1-5-0), AU (0-7-0)

STORY

The first goal came in the 13th minute, as Schroeder notched her first of the contest with a close-range finish off of a cross from the left side by Alayna Smith. Just before halftime, the Schroeder-Smith tandem reversed roles, as Smith finished off a well-worked play in the 40th minute. Schroeder sent in a cross to Smith, who punched a shot into the top corner from 12 yards out.

Kennedy's turn came three minutes later, as the freshman defender concluded a combination from the training ground. Smith played a long ball behind the Cardinals' back line to Meghan Bolender, who served an inviting cross to Kennedy at the penalty mark. Kennedy made no mistake, capitalizing from close range to put the Sabercats' third on the board just before the break.

Schroeder was involved again in the second half, as she sent a deep cross from the left side to set up Sipla in the right side of the Andrews' penalty area. Sipla finished into the top-right corner for her first collegiate goal, and it was 4-0 for Maranatha.

Schroeder capped the scoring in the 61st minute, finishing a through ball into the lower right corner. Fittingly, Schroeder had the final say in the scoring for MBU, as the junior capped the day off with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Andrews scored a parting shot in the 85th minute, but it was too little, too late for the hosts. The Sabercats had rounded off a much-needed big win, breaking into the wins column for the first time this season.

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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 7-0 on October 28, 2024
• Series: The Sabercats lead the series 4-0

OPPONENTS

• Andrews competes in the United States College Athletic Association

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Grace Christian on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. EST kickoff. Follow along at mbusabercats.com/schedule.