FOND DU LAC - Marian University men's hockey (18-8-1, 13-7-0 NCHA) defeated St. Scholastica 4-1 to force a mini-game where the Sabres defeated the Saints 2-1 in overtime to advance to their fifth straight NCHA Harris Cup semifinals.

Defenses prevailed early as neither team was able to find the back of the net through the first two periods.  Marian would hold a 32-15 advantage in shots heading to the final period.  The Sabres were able to open the scoring at the 4:55 mark when sophomore Parker Colley lit the lamp, his eighth of the year, with assists to senior Davis Ross and sophomore Gianni Vitali.  The lead didn't last long as St. Scholastica quickly tied the game 1:53 later.

Senior Nolan Ross then scored back-to-back goals to put Marian up 3-1 with just 2:37 to play.  His first goal was assisted by fellow senior Brett Radford at the 10:12 mark, while sophomore Blaine Caton assisted the second which also came on the power play.  Ross, D. then closed out the scoring with a power-play tally with just 44 ticks left, assist to senior Clay Cross.

Marian finished with a 53-18 advantage in shots for the game with senior Hunter Vorva (15-6-1) stepping up to make 17 saves.

The win forced a 20-minute mini-game which would need extra time.  Cross buried a rebound 4:07 into the mini-game with assists to Caton and senior Conner Blanck.  The Saints were able to answer back with a goal 2:27 later to tie the game and eventually force overtime.  Marian needed just 4:23 of the overtime to find the back of the net when senior Lawson MacDonald scored with an assist to sophomore Troy Ring to seal the win.

The Sabres outshot St. Scholastica 22-11 in the mini-game with Vorva adding another 10 saves.

Marian will next host St. Norbert Saturday, Feb. 29 for a 5:30 p.m. puck drop in the NCHA Harris Cup semifinals.