DE PERE, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The defense stepped up for the Marian University women's soccer team and registered its third straight shutout after a 1-0 win over host St. Norbert College at Schneider Stadium, this evening, Oct. 8.

Junior Beth Merten took a sparkling through ball from Laura Maly from midfield and put the Sabres (6-6) on top in the 38', which held up thanks to a tremendous effort at the other end.

"We played smart defensively and very direct offensively," Head Coach Jillian Sauer said after the win. "We did a great job of attacking at speed and making runs up top. Our defenders were quick to win balls and great at clearing them to our forwards."

Marian dominated in shots, 24-15, but the Green Knights (4-7) closed the gap in shots on goal with the Sabres holding the advantage, 11-9.

"[St. Norbert] came out strong in the second half," Sauer said. "We had trouble keeping possession up top. Our defenders won us the game."

Defense often gets overlooked in the game of soccer – sometimes only being called out when mistakes occur. However, tonight was a case where the Marian backline deserves some much needed credit after running their streak to nearly 300 minutes without allowing a goal.

"Kelly Kulinski had the play of the game," Sauer said of her senior defender. "She caught up to a girl on a breakaway in the second half to preserve our lead and was solid all night."

Sophomore Alysha Kallas and senior Caitlyn Rosenberger – who made her return to the pitch following a four-game absence due to injury – combined for 10 saves en route to the shutout.

The Sabres will be back in action next Tuesday, Oct. 14, when they play host to NACC co-leader Concordia University Wisconsin (9-3, 4-0 NACC) in a 5 p.m. match at Smith Field.