FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) -- The Marian University women's soccer team traveled to Aurora, Ill. today, Friday Oct. 17, to do battle with the first-place Spartans in NACC play. After Marian kept it close early, the Spartans were able to silence the Sabres and hand them their first defeat in over two weeks. With the setback, the Sabres fall to 7-7 on the year, 4-3 in the NACC.

Marian was slow to start offensively, managing only two shots in the first half, compared to Aurora's nine. With little offensive opportunities, it was up to the Sabre defense to keep the game within reach.

It was a tough task to say the least as Aurora (12-3-1, 8-0 NACC) had outscored NACC opponents 28-2 entering the match. Offensive playmaker Nicci Bermudes has been dominant all year, leading the NACC with 23 goals coming into the contest and accounting for more than half of Aurora's goals on the year.  The Sabres were able to contain Bermudes for the first twenty-five minutes, limiting her to only two shots on goal. It was her third attempt that proved deadly.

In the 28', teammate Christine Rohlong found Bermudes with the open shot and she capitalized for her 24th goal of the season.

With a one goal deficit, the Sabres were able to stay calm and keep the Spartans quiet for the rest of the half. Nicole Rublee tried to put the Sabres back in the game with a late first-half shot, but the Spartans quickly responded as her shot was blocked to keep the Sabres scoreless going into half.

The Sabres' struggles on offense continued in the second half, finishing with only two shots on goal and three shots overall. It was the Spartans who continuously kept the ball on the Sabres' end and took control of the game.

In the 64', Aurora's Brittany Roydhouse was able to add to the Spartan lead. Teammate Lorelei Ritzert found Roydhouse near the goal for a header that went past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Caitlyn Rosenberger.

The Sabres were only able to connect with one shot on goal in the second half, struggling to find chances offensively. Aurora's Bermudes made it even harder for the Sabres, when she put the Spartans up 3-0 in the 72', connecting off a pass from Ritzert.

The 3-0 lead stood as the final score, giving the Sabres their first loss in five games. Despite the setback, the Sabres are still in good position to find a postseason spot. Marian looks to rebound against Alverno when they welcome the Inferno to Smith Field on Wednesday, Oct. 22, for a 7 p.m. start.