LISLE, Ill. (Sabreathletics.com) - The Marian University women's basketball team started the new year with a tough conference road match-up against the first-place Benedictine Eagles, today, Jan. 3. Turnovers plagued the Sabres in the first half as the Eagles gained late momentum to stay unbeaten in league play, while dropping the Sabres to 8-4 (4-3 NACC) on the year.

The Sabres jumped off to a quick start thanks to solid three-point shooting, but the Eagles turned things around later in the half. With the Sabres up 13-8, the Eagles went on a 10-0 run benefitted by eight Sabre turnovers. After the Sabres tied up the game, the Eagles had their second big run to go into the half up nine points.

A lack of bench support hindered the Sabre offense early. In 43 minutes of action, the Sabre bench went 0-5 from the field and commited eight turnovers. The starting five of Emma Jarvey, Brittany Bauman, Nicole Paulus, Amelia Mirsberger and Sarah Olewinski shot 46 percent on 7-of-15 shooting, but were unable to keep up with the Benedictine attack.

Olewinski opened up the second half with a three-pointer to put the Sabres back on track. A 12-2 run to start the half capped off by a three-pointer by Megan Lantz gave the Sabres a one point lead. Benedictine answered with a 12-point run of their own to regain control and come away with a 13-point victory.

Paulus and Olewinski led the Sabres with 13 points each on 9-of-23 shooting. The pair scored more than half of the Sabres' 50 points, as well as five of the Sabres' eight shots behind the arc. Jarvey brought down a team-high seven rebounds.

The Eagles dominated the offensive boards, thanks to a team-high six offensive rebounds by Elizabeth Skaggs. Along with almost 34 percent shooting from the field, the Eagles were able to maintain a balanced offensive attack.

The setback is the team's fourth in five games, as well as their third straight in conference play. The Sabres look to turn things around against Alverno this Tuesday, Jan. 6. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.