FOND DU LAC, Wis. - A slow start from Marian University women's hockey (4-12-0, 3-6-0 NCHA) was just enough for St. Norbert who defeated the Sabres 2-1.

The lone goal for the Sabres came on the power play with just under three minutes left when freshman Calle Bye tipped in a shot from fellow freshman Megan Cook.  Senior Ellie Deans also received an assist on what was goal number five of the year for Bye.

A pair of Green Knight goals late in the first period, one on the power play, proved to be enough, however, as St. Norbert took the opener of the pivotal NCHA series.

The Sabres managed to out shoot St. Norbert 8-7 in the final period but saw SNC finish with a 35-20 advantage in shots for the game.  All but two Sabre skaters recorded a shot with sophomore Morgan Bolin sending a team-high three shots on frame.

Junior Lindsey Strainis (3-11-0) took the loss in net but had another strong outing with 33 saves.  Strainis combined for 23 saves between the second and third period where she held St. Norbert scoreless.

Marian closes out the series tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m. from Blue Line Family Ice Center.

--FightBlueFight--