November 8, 2022 | by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

CARLINVILLE, Ill. -- Sabercats couldn't find their rhythm in their season opener. They lost to Blackburn 31-65.

In the loss, returner Kyria Teachout was able to record her first career double-double, leading the team with 14 PTS. and 10 REB.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 31-65 Blackburn
• Venue: Dawes Gymnasium - Blackburn College
• Location: Carlinville, Ill.
• Event: Season opener
• Attendance: 63
• Records: MBU (0-1), BC (2-0)

STORY

The young Sabercat team stepped out onto the court with high hopes for their first game of the season. For 7 of the 12 active players, this was not just their season opener but their first collegiate appearance! 

At the start of the game, the nerves of those on the bench seemed to settle slightly as sophomore Kyria Teachout scored a quick 4 buckets, giving Maranatha an 8-3 lead. But the Sabercat excitement quickly diminished as they would not see any more points until the last 40 seconds of the quarter when Katelyn Morrison was sent to the line and sunk both free throws. 

In the first half, Blackburn went on a 24-2 run. The aggressive defense from the Beavers seemed to fluster the Sabercats who gave up 23 turnovers in the first half. Maranatha's offense looked confused as they tried to execute different plays. Looking for any way to get something going, Coach Brown quickly went through his reserve from the bench. Each of the 12 active players saw minutes before the first half was complete. Unfortunately, no one was able to start a fire for the Sabercats as they went to the locker room trailing 12-32 at the half. 

Coming out to start the second half, the Sabercats looked to reset. They were able to put the first points on the board thanks to two free throws from freshman Lindsay Mikkelson. Maranatha went on a nice little 7-2 run. But just as hope for the team was starting to grow, Blackburn once again went off. 

Trying to match the tempo of the speedy Beavers, the Sabercats began to play too fast for their own good. This resulted in more turnovers and multiple fouls...giving Blackburn some early-quarter bonus shots. 

The game finished with Blackburn defeating Maranatha with a score of 65-31. 

Although it was not the start that Maranatha had hoped for, Coach Brown has high hopes for his team. Katelyn Morrison and Sara Herera, two of the three returners from last season, came into the game having just one practice under their belts. Both girls just finished their soccer season. The Sabercats also await multiple girls who are set to compete in the NCCAA National Tournament, for volleyball and cross-country, very soon. 

The Sabercats will look to improve in the areas they struggled on tonight and put this game in the past. Their focus is now on their upcoming game against Oak Hills this Friday at 7 p.m. This will be their home opener. 

COLLEGE DEBUTS

The following student-athletes made the collegiate debuts for Maranatha tonight: Emma Alsup, Sarah Ureke, Ashleigh Mullikin, Lindsay Mikkelson, Annie Herbster, Kaili Swaffer, Beka Donovan, and Hailey St. Onge

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Maranatha Starters: 5- Ureke, 12- Ab. Herbster, 13- Teachout, 21- Mikkelson, 23- An. Herbster

STATS

• MBU: shot 23.4 percent from the field
• BC: shot 42.2 percent from the field
• K. Teachout: 14 PTS, 10 REB*, 1 AST
• L. Mikkelson: 6 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST
• K. Morrison: 7 PTS, 3 REB
• S. Ureke: 3 PTS, 2 REB
• Ab. Herbster: 1 PTS. 5 REB, 3 AST
• An. Herbster: 9 REB
• Last year: This is the first match-up between Maranatha and Blackburn
• Series: all-time series 0-0

*career-high

OPPONENTS

• Blackburn competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA-DIII)
• Blackburn finished the 2021-22 season with a record of 5-20

NEXT

The Sabercats return to Watertown for their home opener against Oak Hills Christian on Friday at 7 p.m. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.