APPLETON, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University men's hockey team distanced themselves from second place rival, Lawrence University, winning, 3-1, this evening, Feb. 1, in Appleton.

Despite being outshot, 42-33, the Sabres came out on top with the win, scoring all three goals in the first two periods. Sabre goalie, Josh Baker, stood strong in the net saving 41 shots on the evening.

Marian improved to 9-10-1 overall and 8-7 in MCHA play with the win, while Lawrence dropped to 6-12-2 (5-8-2 MCHA) with the loss.

Coming into tonight's match-up, Marian held a slim two-point advantage in the MCHA North Division over Lawrence.

Within 30 seconds of the opening period, Robbie Bailey, assisted by Aaron Leonard, gave the Sabres the early lead, scoring at the 19:29 mark.

The game proved to be physical as both teams committed  a total of seven penalties. Lawrence tied the game at 1-1 while on a power-play opportunity. Seven minutes later, at the 10:09 mark, Mitch Kriz gave the Sabres the lead back, netting his third goal of the season.

Lawrence continued to outshoot Marian and put pressure on Baker, but it was Marian who found the back of the net again in the second period. At the 3:53 mark, freshman Brett Campbell scored his second goal on the season. Leonard had a hand in all of Marian's scoring, assisting his teammates in all three goals.

In the final period, the Sabres remained poised and played solid defense to close the night out with a victory. 

The Sabres look to further themselves from the rest of the division and Lawrence as the two meet up for the final time in the regular season in game two of the series Saturday, Feb. 2, in Fond du Lac. If the Sabres earn at least a tie, they will reclaim ownership of the Battle of 41 Series Trophy, which is currently held by Lawrence. Saturday's puck drops at 8 p.m. inside Blue Line Family Ice Center.