RIVER FALLS, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University men's hockey team suffered its first loss of the season after UW-River Falls recorded the 4-1 win at home in a non-conference match-up inside Hunt Arena, this evening, Oct. 27.

Both teams were tied after a period of play, but the Falcons broke open the game with a two-goal second period before tacking on an insurance tally with just 26 seconds remaining in the third. UWRF's Adam Cardwell accounted for two goals and an assist in leading the Falcons to the win. Marian's Mitch Kriz scored the lone Sabre goal, while Robbie Bailey fired a game-high seven shots.

UWRF improved to 2-0 on the season with the win, while Marian fell to 0-1-1 with the loss.

Zach Schrotenboer got the Falcons on the board with a goal at the 14:44 mark in the first period, but the lead wouldn't last long. Kriz answered on assists by Bailey and Brian Berger less than three minutes later, tying the score at the 17:05 mark.

The score would remain tied until 2:56 into the second period when Alec Hagaman netted the first of three power-play goals for UWRF. At the 12:17 mark, Cardwell scored the first of his two goals and padded the Falcon lead to 3-1.

The final insurance tally would come with just 26 seconds remaining in the contest as Cardwell sealed the home victory.

UWRF won the shots category with a 39-31 edge. The Falcons were 3-for-5 on the power play, while the Sabres failed to convert five power play opportunities. Both teams combined for 70 penalty minutes in the very physical match-up.

Marian will open MCHA play next weekend, traveling to Lake Forest Friday, Nov. 2, for the front-end of a home-and-home series at 7 p.m. The Sabres and Foresters will match up in Fond du Lac Saturday, Nov. 3, in another 7 p.m. start.