APPLETON, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) - The Marian University women's basketball team opened the season tonight, November 19, as they traveled to Appleton Wis. to take on the Lawrence Vikings (0-3). Captains Amelia Mirsberger and Sarah Olewinski scored double-digits to help lead the Sabres to a 61-38 win over the Vikings.

Trailing by three early in the first, the Sabres went on a 14-0 run, assisted by 5-5 shooting from the line, to take the lead and gain early momentum. The Sabres finished the half 10-29 from the field, but 90 percent free throw shooting helped provide a 32-16 Sabre lead.

Amelia Mirsberger had a team high 18 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6-8 from the field while going 4-4 from the line. Mirsbeger kicked things off in the second with a statement three-pointer to regain early control for the Sabres.

After the Vikings cut the lead to 11, the Sabres answered with 12 unanswered points to run away with the lead. The Sabres outscored the Vikings 9-8 in the final seven minutes to come away with an opening night win.

It was an overall team performance by the Sabres, with ten players scoring points on the night. Sara Olewinski had a game high three assists along with 12 points, shooting 4-7 from the field. Emma Jarvey led the Sabre defense, having three of the team's 13 steals.

"The girls came out and gave a total team effort," said Head Coach Bill Peters after the win. "Twelve girls provided double-digit minutes and gave a solid defensive performance with spurts of very good offense. Amelia came out and played like an animal and I am very happy with how everyone did in our new up tempo style."

The Vikings aided the Sabres on the night, strugglling as a team to keep possession of the ball while committing 24 turnovers on the night leading to multiple Sabre opportunities. Elizabeth Arco was the team's leading scorer with nine points, as the Vikings shot just under 36 percent in the game.

The Sabres look to continue to the strong start to the season as they come home to Sadoff Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov.22, for the team's home opener. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.