FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) - Amanda Alexander did all she could to fend off Concordia Wisconsin, but the Marian University women's hockey team fell short of a victory this evening, Jan. 18, in a 2-1 (OT) loss at Blueline Ice Center.

The Sabres scored half way through the first period during a power-play to take an early lead, but the Falcons retaliated with a goal of their own scoring late in the first period to knot the score up. It took the last seconds into overtime for the game to be resolved with the win tallying in the Falcons favor.

Concordia Wisconsin improved to 3-11-3 overall and 3-7-2 in NCHA play with the victory, while Marian dropped to 3-10-2 (2-6-2 NCHA) with the loss.

Amanda Alexander proved tonight why she is ranked 10th nationally in save percentage as she stopped a season and career high, 61 shots in tonight's losing effort. This was the fourth time in Alexander's career where she faced 50 plus shots. In each period, Alexander faced double-digit shots and 26 alone in the second period.

In the first period, the Sabres took advantage of a Falcon interference penalty and scored within 30 seconds of the power play at the 10:30 mark. Kristin Skubic scored her third goal of the season, assisted by Megan Sesing-Gomoll and Devan Lesch. Six minutes later, the Falcons tied the game up at the 6:12 mark with a goal by Maxine Blohowiak, assisted by Michelle Musil.

In the second period, both teams had a scoring opportunity off of penalties, but failed to convert. The Sabres managed only four shots in second period compared to the 26 for the Falcons.

The Falcons continued to put pressure on Alexander in the third period, but she remained impenetrable. Each team cumulated two power-play opportunities in the period, but each goalie fended off everything that was shot at them. In the final minutes of the third period, the Sabres were awarded a power-play opportunity after a Chelsea Regan trip and looked to win the game, but were unable to score the game-winning goal.

Nearing the end in overtime, it looked as if the game was going to end in a tie, but Falcon, Michelle Musil, broke the barrier and scooted one past Alexander to find the back of the net at the eight second mark to earn the victory for the Falcons.

The Sabres look to even the series as game two against Concordia Wisconsin beginning tomorrow, Jan. 19, at the Ozaukee Ice Center. Puck is set to drop at 7:30 p.m.