FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – Behind a double-double from freshman Amber Baker and match-high 27 digs from junior Katrina Jansen, the Marian University women's volleyball team came from behind to beat visiting Lawrence University in five sets to take the home opener inside Sadoff Gymnasium this evening, Sept. 3.

The Sabres (2-3) struggled at the outset, falling in the first set 25-12, but picked it up to even the match at one set apiece. Another dismal set in the third saw Marian fall behind two sets to one, but a two-point win in the fourth set followed by a dominating fifth set was enough to send the Sabre faithful home happy.

Baker, coming off an All-Tournament team selection at the Buc Blast just a few days ago, turned in a 27-assist, 17-dig effort. Jansen complimented with a gutsy 27-dig performance, while sophomore Jessica Roberts added 12 kills to go with seven digs.

Marian's best offensive set was in the second when it took down Lawrence by a score of 25-17. The Sabres registered a .259 hitting percentage with nine kills against just two errors.

A relentless effort in the fourth set brought the crowd to its feet. Marian, leading 16-10, seemed poised to run away with it, but the Vikings clawed back to eventually take a 23-22 advantage. However, a Viking service error tied the set and back-to-back Roberts kills sent the Sabres to a decisive fifth set.

The momentum carried through for the Blue & White in the final set as junior newcomer Michelle Koster emerged a defensive machine, keeping plays alive with her athleticism. She dug out balls on four straight points to give the Sabres a commanding 9-3 lead.

The Vikings cut the deficit to 9-6, but two straight Marian points followed, capped by a Hunter Godfroy kill to put the match out of reach. A Roberts ace put a bow on a thrilling match for the final decisive point and the Sabres improve to 18-8 in home openers dating back to 1989.

Lauren Ray registered a double-double for the Vikings, totaling 18 digs and 16 assists. Terese Swords was the lone Viking in double figure kills with 12, while Cyra Bammer led the way with 25 digs for Lawrence.

Marian jumps back into action this Friday-Saturday, Sept. 6-7, when it takes on the likes of North Central (Ill.), Knox, Aurora and host North Park in the NPU Viking Volleyball Clash.