FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) - For the sixth consecutive season, the women's soccer team completed their regular season in a such a position to play in the conference tournament. This year, the Sabres earned the No. 4 seed, finishing 7-2-1 in conference play. With last year's upset still in the forefront of many of the players' minds, Marian made sure history did not repeat itself, defeating the No. 5 seed Concordia Chicago, 2-1.

Before the fans could warm the metal bleachers underneath them, junior Laura Maly footed the first goal of the game, going far post from just inside the 18. For Maly, it was her eighth winner of the season, bringing her to within one of last year's total of nine.

Just three minutes later, freshman standout Mikaila Johnson volleyed a chipped pass attempt from junior Maisie Floyd to double the Sabres lead just six minutes into the match.

Junior Goalkeeper Caitlyn Rosenberger would turn away the lone shot of the half that she saw.

With the lead in hand, the Sabres were aware of the delicate position they were in. On the first day of conference play, Marian had a two goal lead entering the half against MSOE. The Raiders then rattled off three unanswered goals to claim victory.

In the 68', sophomore center back Jaime Anderson was whistled for a slide tackle inside the penalty area, with the center official awarding a penalty kick to the Cougars. Elizabeth Sanders stepped to the penalty spot and snuck her shot just under the crossbar to cut the Marian lead in half.

With the one goal lead, the Sabres hunkered down and reestablished themselves defensively, turning away any future scoring chance for the Cougars.

For the first time since 2011, Marian returns to the conference semifinals where they will face Aurora University. In their regular season meeting, the Spartans were winners in overtime, scoring on a penalty kick in the 99'.

Kickoff for Wednesday's match is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the winner advancing to the NACC Tournament Championship on Saturday.