DANVILLE, Ky. - Marian University field hockey (7-8, 2-4 SAA) was eliminated from the SAA Tournament narrowly falling to Centre 4-3.

The opening quarter was a struggle for both offenses as the two teams only combined for three shots and neither team was able to score.  None of the shots in the first stanza were on goal. 

The second quarter saw the Colonels open the scoring at the 22:02 mark, but Marian immediately struck back.  SAA Newcomer of the Year Allyson Nichols was able to score just 1:53 later with an assist to fellow All-SAA selection Eva Houtackers.  Centre was able to head into halftime with a lead, however, scoring with just 1:17 left in the half.

The Colonels scored the lone goal of the third quarter but Marian wouldn't go away quietly.  Nichols would score her second goal of the game to cut the deficit down to one with 5:48 left to play.  Centre responded with a goal to extend the lead back out to two at 4-2.  Nichols scored her third in the final minute as Marian tried to rally again, but the Sabres were unable to find the equalizer.

Marian was narrowly outshot 20-14 with shots on goal standing at 13-11 for Centre.  Nichols posted a game-high six shots, while junior Brenna Abrahamson made nine saves in goal.

The first season of Marian field hockey saw the Sabres finish the regular season with a .500 record and earn the No. 3 seed for the conference tournament after being picked fifth in the preseason poll.  Four Sabres earned all-conference recognition by the SAA, including Nichols earning Newcomer of the Year, and Head Coach Holly Heeb and her staff were named the Co-Coaching Staff of the Year.