BLAINE, Minn. - The Marian University women's hockey team (1-0-0, 0-0-0 NCHA) started the season on the right foot with a 2-1 victory over Bethel on the road.

The first period started slowly, but it was the Sabres who found the back of the net first late in the period.  Jill Schneider lit the lamp for her first career goal off a pass from Emily Everson to put Marian up 1-0.

At the 5:59 mark in the second period the Royals evened the score after Marian couldn't connect on a power play opportunity.  The Bethel offense remained persistent but Ali Glazer was up to the task stopping a combined 24 shots between the first two periods.

Marian converted their first power play of the third period off a Bethel hooking penalty with Courtney Wittig scoring her first goal of the year.  Sarah Bier earned an assist on the play that gave MU the lead for good.

The Sabre offense was able to find their stride the remainder of the period and outshot the Royals 10-5.

Bethel held the shots advantage for the game by a margin of 30-19 with Glazer turning away 29 Royal shots.

Meluch led the Sabres going 9-4 in the face off circle, while Alexis Peterson went 7-4.

Marian hits the ice next for their home opener when they host Lake Forest Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

--FightBlueFight--