2025-26 MARIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
TOP 10 MOMENTS

#4
WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY ENJOYS BREAKOUT SEASON

The Marian University women's ice hockey team enjoyed its best season in program history in the first season of the Joe Gerarden era.

Marian was able to get out to a strong start to the season with a sweep of Beloit including a 4-0 shutout in the second game of the series.  The Sabres then had the tough task of playing four games in a row against nationally-ranked teams in No. 9/9 Adrian and No. 6/6 St. Norbert.  After dropping the first three games of the stretch, Marian was able to earn its first win over a nationally-ranked team with a 2-1 overtime win on the road against the Green Knights.

After closing out the first half 5-6-0, the Sabres found themselves in prime postseason position opening a series with Lawrence January 23-24.  The Sabres went on to go 6-1-0 over its next seven games with sweeps of Lawrence and Trine in NCHA action.  Then against No. 10/12 CUW, Marian dropped the opener of the series by one goal 3-2 before taking a point in the finale with a 2-1 overtime loss.

This set Marian up for a rematch with Lake Forest in the NCHA Slaats Cup Playoffs after the Foresters swept Marian earlier in the campaign.  Marian battled in game one but dropped the opener by a goal 3-2.  The Sabres bounced back, however, earning its first postseason victory in program history with a 4-3 overtime win to force a mini-game.  Marian was able to strike first in the mini-game, but dropped the decisive period 2-1.

Marian closed out the season 14-13-0 setting a program record for wins along with the first winning season in program history.  Marian also set program records for points, goals, assists, and goals against average.  The duo of Jillian Traver and Ella Spies were named All-NCHA becoming the first teammates to earn All-Conference recognition since 2014-15.