FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – A day after handing Benedictine University its first league sweep since 2009, the Marian University softball team had its home opener spoiled as Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference-favorite, Aurora University, claimed a sweep of its own at Smith Field, this afternoon, April 6.

The Spartans (10-8, 4-0 NACC) took an early advantage and held on for a 4-1 victory in game one. A big inning in game two propelled them to a 6-0 win in game two. Getting base runners wasn't a problem for the Sabres (7-15, 4-4 NACC) as they left nine runners on base in each contest despite earning just 11 combined hits. Clutch hitting and gutsy pitching proved to be the recipe for success for Aurora, which maintained its first-place lead in the league standings.

In game one, the first three batters reached base for the Spartans and it resulted in two runs to before the Sabres could attempt their first at-bat. Sarah Clauser registered an RBI single, while pitcher Vanessa Hartzell helped her own cause with a run-scoring base hit as well.

Aurora added another run in the second to take a 3-0 advantage before the Sabres finally got on the board in the fourth inning with a long home run from Amber Johnson, who sent one over the right field fence.

The Spartans would take advantage of an error and add an insurance tally in the seventh. Hartzell earned her third win of the year, while Emily Gorges took the loss.

In game two, it was one big inning that proved the outcome for the Spartans as a six-spot in the second inning spelled doom for the Sabres. Steph Starr contributed the big blow with a two-out, two-run single in the frame.

Marian registered a respectable eight hits in the contest. Brie Hechimovich, Tana Vanden Heuvel and Rachel Andres had two hits apiece in the loss. The Sabres left nine runners on base as they couldn't find an answer past Natalie Zanella, who earned her fifth win of the year.

Heather Dorn went the distance, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, while striking out three and walking none.

The Sabres will next face conference foes Lakeland College (April 9) and Concordia University Wisconsin (April 12) as they look to get back on track. The doubleheader against the Muskies is a road meeting set for 3 p.m., while Saturday's match-up against the Falcons will begin at noon at Smith Field.