Box Score

MEQUON, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – A road victory over Concordia University Wisconsin and a little help from Lake Forest College propelled the Marian University men's hockey team into first place in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association North Division standings with one game left to play in the regular season.

The Sabres defeated the Falcons, 5-1, despite being outshot 46-33. Sophomore goalie Randy Willis made 45 saves, including 18 in a scoreless opening period. The win moved him to 5-2 on the season and led Marian to a first place lead in the division standings after Lake Forest knocked off Lawrence at home 5-2.

Brendan Roberts scored twice for the Sabres, while Andy Kuechler, Brian Berger and Dakota Dubetz also added goals en route to the victory.

Marian improves to 12-8-4 overall, 11-5-3 in the MCHA, while the Falcons fall to 2-19-3 (2-15-2 MCHA).

Roberts started the scoring at the 9:50 mark in the first period on an assist by Tommy Fitzpatrick. Kuechler's second score of the year then made it a two-goal lead at the 13:08 mark on assists by Mike McCurtain and Tanner Burton. Willis' 18 saves kept the Falcons at bay as the Sabres took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

CUW got one back quickly in the second period when Joshua Swancutt scored at the 3:42 mark, but Berger got it back just before the end of the period when Kevin Darcy and Josh Martin assisted on his team-leading 15th goal of the season at the 16:18 mark.

Then, 40 seconds into the third period, Roberts made it 4-1 with his 11th tally of the season. Assists were from Dubetz and Bryce Wilson. Dubetz then got into the action with his 12th goal of the season, leaving just 34 seconds left in regulation. Roberts and Fitzpatrick were credited with assists.

The Sabres can clinch the North Division title tomorrow night when they host Concordia Wis. in the second game of their two-game. Puck drops at 7 p.m. inside the Blue Line Family Ice Center.