MEQUON, Wis. - Marian University women's hockey (9-11-1, 6-8-0 NCHA) earned a crucial win in NCHA play defeating Concordia Wisconsin 2-1.

Marian once again found themselves in a defensive battle, but the Sabres were able to strike first with 5:02 left in the first period.  Senior Sarah Bier scored for the sixth time this season to put the Sabres up 1-0, she was assisted by sophomore Sheila Blower.

The Falcons answered, however, as they were able to scratch out a goal a minute and a half later to send the teams into the first intermission knotted at 1-1.  Marian controlled play in the period outshooting CUW 8-4.

The Sabres were able to come out firing in the second period as they were able to outshoot CUW 10-3.  MU would only tally one goal, however, when senior Rian Lennon lit the lamp on the power play for her fourth goal of the season.  Lennon was assisted by freshman Ally Fox and sophomore Nicole Niemi for what proved to be the game-winner.

The Falcons wouldn't go away quietly, as they sent a flurry of shots in the final period and held a 10-3 shots advantage.  Sophomore Lindsey Strainis (7-9-1) was up to the task, though, earning the win between the pipes with a 16-save performance.

Marian finished the game outshooting the Falcons 21-17 and going 1-6 (.167) on the power play.  Sophomore Alexis Peterson led the offense with a game-high six shots on net.

Marian returns to Blue Line for the final time next weekend when they host Lake Forest Feb. 11-12.

--FightBlueFight--