HANCOCK, Mich. - The Marian University women's hockey team (4-11-0, 1-7-0) earned their first NCHA points of the season behind a shutout from Lindsey Strainis in the freshman goaltender's first career win.

The lone goal of the game came in the final minute of the first period at the 19:44 mark courtesy of Courtney Wittig for her ninth goal of the season.  Ellie Deans and Jill Schneider earned assists on the play for their second and sixth point of the year, respectively.

The power play for Marian would go 0-5 in the game but the penalty kill unit held Finlandia scoreless on four opportunities.

The Sabres outshot the Lions 31-16 with the performance being only the second time this season MU had more than 30 shots on goal.  The Marian defense also played well holding Finlandia to single digit shots in all three periods.

Wittig also recorded a game-high eight shots to lead the Sabres in the win, while Kelly Leslie went 14-20 from the face off circle.

Marian concludes the series with Finlandia tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 16 with a 1 p.m. (CST) puck drop.

--FightBlueFight--