LAKE FOREST, Ill. (SabreAthletics.com) - For the first time in three years, the Marian University men's hockey team claimed victory in the postseason, defeating Lake Forest 3-2 at the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse in the quarterfinal round of the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs.

Just five weeks ago, Lake Forest swept Marian in a home-and-home series. The Foresters claimed victory on home-ice in overtime and then proceeded to drop five goals on Marian the next day to take the sweep. Since that weekend, however, Marian has gone 7-1-0, including three consecutive series sweeps.

When it began to look as though the teams would enter the first intermission in a scoreless draw, Marian senior Tyler Klein converted on the power play to give the Sabres an early lead. Linemates Matt Williams and Ben Morgan collected helpers on the goal.

Marian would extend their lead at 13:21 of the second period on a highlight reel goal from senior Robbie Bailey. The North Vancouver native did what he does best and went to the dirty area in front of the net, collected the rebound and slotted home Marian's second goal of the game.

With twenty minutes separating Marian from their first playoff win since March 5, 2011, Lake Forest refused to go down quietly. Chris Gard scored his first goal of the season 6:31 into the period to cut Marian's lead in half.

Sophomore Brett Campbell found the back of the net for the second time this season at 11:58 of the third, putting Marian in the driver's seat and ready to claim victory. Lake Forest would make things interesting, as Jason McAloon scored with less than four minutes remaining.

A penalty by Klein with 59 seconds remaining gave Lake Forest a 6-on-4 advantage, but senior Josh Baker was up to the task. On the night, Baker made 44 saves, his fourth game this season of 40 or more saves.

The victory puts Marian in the driver's seat for tomorrow night's game. The Sabres will advance to the Harris Cup Semifinals with a win or tie against Lake Forest tomorrow night.