FOND DU LAC, Wis. - In a defensive battle, Marian women's hockey (8-9-1, 5-6-0 NCHA) couldn't get their offense going in a 2-1 loss to St. Scholastica.

The Sabres opened the first period dominating play with the puck remaining in the Saint zone for the majority of the period.  It wasn't until the final five minutes of the period that the Saints pushed back and found the back of the net with only 1:27 left in the period.

The second period saw the opposite as the Saints were able to dominate play outshooting the Sabres 14-7 in the period.  Sophomore goalie Lindsey Strainis was able to stand on her head, however, as she totaled 24 saves through the first period keeping the MU deficit at 1-0.

At the 7:24 mark junior Paige Johnson would be sent to the box for a charging minor that sparked both offenses.  Just nine seconds into the penalty freshman Ally Fox created a breakaway and deaked to the blocker side beating the pads on the far post to tie the game at 1-1.  The goal was number 11 on the year for Fox and she was assisted by sophomore Alexis Peterson.  During the same penalty, however, the Saints were able to string some passes together and light the lamp to retake the lead at 2-1.

Marian would rally offensively with an empty net on their end, but were unable to find the back of the net leading to the 2-1 final.

Strainis (6-7-1) took the loss with 27 saves on the night, while Johnson would go 11-15 in the faceoff circle.

Marian and the Saints close out the series tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. from Rink B at Blue Line.

--FightBlueFight--