October 19, 2023

Season Sweep

Faith defeated Maranatha Baptist Thursday night 3-2 to earn the series sweep.

Faith Baptist Bible College

17-6, 7-3

Maranatha Baptist University

12-12, 5-1

Final

Faith Baptist Bible College 17-6, 7-3

Maranatha Baptist University 12-12, 5-1

Watertown, WI - A seasoned Eagles squad handled everything host Maranatha Baptist threw at them Thursday night, prevailing 3-2 to earn the season sweep of the Sabercats.

A raucous senior night crowd clad in all white greeted the Eagles, but the Eagles rose to the occasion, opening the night with a convincing 25-14 set one victory.

Maranatha answered quickly in set two, eventually building a three-point lead at 17-20. Faith gave themselves a chance, earning four out of the next five points to pull ahead 22-21. Maranatha called a timeout to regroup, and coming out of the timeout Faith faltered, committing two attack errors while the Sabercats earned two points on attacks of their own to take the match 25-22 and gain some momentum heading into set three.

Set three belonged to the Sabercats as Faith simply could not find a way to earn a point. The Sabercats jumped on the Eagles 17-4 and although Faith would outscore the host 12-8 for the rest of the match, the 13-point deficit was too much to overcome as they fell 16-25 in set three.

Facing a 2-1 deficit, a roaring crowd, and a suddenly confident opponent, Faith could have fallen to the pressure - but they didn't. After matching the Sabercats point for point to the tune of an 8-8 tie, Faith would prove their mettle, outscoring MBU 11-4 to build some of their own momentum and ultimately taking the set 25-20 to force a deciding 5th set.

Faith jumped on the Sabercats to begin the deciding set, taking a quick 5-3 lead. The Sabercats were not about to fall on their senior night without a fight, though, as four kills by the host and two attack errors by Faith found the Eagles staring at a 5-9 deficit. Faith called a timeout and Coach Nihart's inspiring words lit a fire under the Eagles. Faith outscored Maranatha 10-2 to take the wind out of the building and the win from the Sabercats 15-11.

Sadie Long had a huge night for the Eagles as she had 16 kills to lead the team. Codie Wirges had 14 of her own and Rachel Forgie added 12. Maddie Hodak had 37 digs along the back line. Faith will face Grace Christian University on Friday evening at 6 PM. That game will be played in Dubuque, IA at Emmaus Bible College. Faith is now 17-6 overall and has won five straight.