LEAD

CHICAGO -- The Sabercats came close against two DIII programs but ultimately went away empty-handed at the North Park Tri.

Despite straight-set losses to Adrian and North Park, the Sabercats are looking more and more dangerous as the season gets underway.

OVERVIEW

• Results: 
  • Maranatha 0-3 Adrian (22-25, 17-25, 19-25)
  • Maranatha 0-3 North Park (24-26, 16-25, 21-25)
• Venue: Helwig Rec Center, North Park University
• Location: Chicago
• Attendance: 60, 40
• Records: MBU (0-3), AC (6-2), NPU (2-1)

STORY

Adrian: Early kills from Phillip Holbrook and Joel Smith set the tone early on for MBU, who stayed one step ahead of Adrian in the opening exchanges. But a late 9-1 run from the Bulldogs gave them a lead that they would hold on to despite a late run from Maranatha. After an exciting first set ended 25-22 in favor of Adrian, the Sabercats had shown they came to play.

But the Blue and Gold soon ran out of steam, as the 22 points would be their highest in the match. Adrian took home the second set 25-17 after leading wire to wire, but MBU showed a balanced attack - seven different student-athletes contributed kills in the second set alone.

The third set was a similar story to the second, as Adrian earned an early lead and held the Sabercats off. Four kills from Holbrook and another two from Smith tried to keep Maranatha level, but the Bulldogs were too much for MBU in the opening match of the day.

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North Park: The first set was a thriller, as the hosts needed extra points to clinch it. North Park's front row was up to the challenge at hand, as they put down 14 kills on Maranatha to take a dramatic 26-24 win in the opener. James Rossiter was a defensive presence for MBU in the first, as he had three blocks to his name. Once again, Maranatha continued their balanced attack to keep North Park guessing.

But in a similar story to the first match, Maranatha's momentum slowed over the final two sets. Joel Depue led Maranatha with eight kills in the match and was followed closely by Smith (seven) and Holbrook (six). 

All in all, it was a positive day for the Sabercats, who will look to the NCCAA National Invitational next week.

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MBU Starters: 3- Massey, 4- McKee, 5- Dafoe, 6- Rossiter, 8- Depue, 13- Wagner (L), 15- Smith

STATS (two-match totals)

• Holbrook: 15 K, 3 B
• Smith: 13 K
• Depue: 12 K, 24 A, 14 D
• Taylor Dafoe: 26 A, 4 D
• Series: Maranatha trails the Adrian series 0-2
• Series: Maranatha trails the North Park series 1-2

OPPONENTS

• Adrian competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA DIII)
• North Park competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (NCAA DIII)

NEXT

The Sabercats will compete in the NCCAA National Invitational next Friday-Saturday. Stay updated at mbusabercats.com/schedule.