FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) - Saturday marked the open to Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play, with Marian playing host to the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The Sabres had their 2012 season halted by MSOE in the NACC playoffs, losing 1-nil in the conference tournament. While 2013 marks a new season with new faces, the Sabres wanted nothing more than to avenge last year's defeat.

Sophomore Alyson Fisher opened the scoring in the 12' with a blast from 30 yards out. Her shot from the middle of the pitch went sailing up and over the outstretched fingertips of MSOE keeper Sydney Stephens. With the lead in hand, the Sabres continued their offensive pressure, which resulted in a second tally in the 37', this time by Brittany Syms. Junior Leisa Conn took a through ball up to the top of the 18 where she was met by Stephens. The Raider keeper was effective in blocking Conn's scoring attempt, but Syms was on the prowl to corral the rebound, and with a quick swing of her boot, sent her shot up and over the reach of Stephens.

With the 2-nil lead heading into the half, the team felt confident about their chances at coming out victorious. Too bad MSOE had plans of their own.

The Raiders had a number of good opportunities in the first half, but all were squandered by junior goalkeeper Caitlyn Rosenberger who tallied five saves. However, just four and a half minutes into the second half, MSOE would spoil the clean sheet bid.

After earning a corner kic, Aly Lepfke banged home the rebound to cut the Sabre lead in half. Caitlin Liddiard and Paula Bohl combined for the assists on the tally. Just four minutes later, Marian's lead would be completely wiped out as Natalie Gayne drove her shot past Rosenberger. Bohl assisted on the game-tying goal as well.

Then, in the 76', MSOE would take the lead for good, with Sara Travia sending her shot into the upper 90, beating Rosenberger to the near post.

Despite the subsitutions and alteration in pressue, Marian was unable to find the equalizer.

Rosenberger ended the day with 11 saves, this coming after recording 14 saves earlier in the week against UW-Stevens Point.

Marian will have a quick turn around, traveling to Madison on Wednesday to face Edgewood College. The Eagles won their conference opener against Concordia Chicago, 2-0.