RIVER FOREST, Ill. (Sabreathletics.com) -- The Marian University women's soccer team won its first conference game of the season, but has fallen short in their last two attempts, including today's 3-1 loss to the Dominican Stars. The Sabres stayed even in the first half of play, but two unanswered goals in the second half for the Stars proved insurmountable, today, Sept.27.

Kelli Iovino scored her seventh goal of the season for the stars in the 27' off a cross from Taylor Adler, resulting in an early 1-0 lead early on. Laura Maly responded in the 43', scoring on a 30-yard free kick. Maly has scored a goal in three consecutive games and is now leading the Sabres, along with Brittany Syms, with four goals on the season.

After a quiet start to the second half, the Stars exploded a quarter of the way through, scoring two goals in under two minutes. Kelly Gerwitz started the onslaught, scoring an unassisted goal past the reach of sophomore goalkeeper Alysha Kallas. Shortly after, Leah Tednes was on a breakaway for the Stars, with the help of teammate Nathalie Mathis. Tednes crossed a shot from 40 yards out with great accuracy and gave the Stars a two-goal lead they would not relinquish.

Kallas was effective in net for the Sabres overall, playing for the injured Caitlyn Rosenberger. Kallas had 11 saves on the day, but the Sabres were unable to produce enough offense with three goals allowed.

With the victory, the Stars improved to 5-4 on the season with a 2-1 record in the NACC, while the Sabres fell to 3-6 (1-2 NACC). The Sabres look to turn things around when they travel to Wisconsin Lutheran on Tuesday, Sept.30. Start time is set for 7 p.m.