Five-goal second period allows Marian to skate past Women's Hockey

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Marian University scored five times during the second period Friday night, allowing the Sabres to skate past the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team by a 5-1 count. The NCHA loss at

The five-goal second period helped give Marian its first-ever win in Women's Hockey history over the Falcons. Previously, CUW was 11-0-0 against the Sabres.

Junior Alexis Machuga (Rochester Hills, Mich.) scored the Falcons goal Friday, which gave her team a 1-0 lead after one period of play. Machuga's power play goal was assisted by seniors Elizabeth Otto (Stillwater, Minn.) and Emily Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.).

The Falcons lead didn't last long into the second period as Marian struck two times in the opening 3:48. Sarah Bier tied the game at 1-1 just 2:50 into the frame, while Nina Laurie scored a power play goal 58 seconds later, which resulted in the game-winner.

Marian (3-4-0, 3-4-0 NCHA) added two more quick strikers just over eight minutes into the period to build a 4-1 advantage. Emily Everson struck at the 8:05 mark, while Amanda Waigand scored the first of her two goals just 42 seconds later, making the score 4-1 in favor of MU. Waigand would put the finishing touches on the impressive second period by scoring with 55 seconds left, resulting in the 5-1 final.

Sophomore Bridget Slater (Roseau, Minn.), who entered played leading the NCHA in goals against average and save percentage, took the loss Friday. Slater surrendered four goals in 28:47 of player. Senior Andrea Mizanskey (Palos Heights, Ill.) played the final 31:13 and stopped 10 of the 11 shots she faced.

Marian goaltender Amanda Alexander was impressive by recording 31 saves. She combined for 23 of those stops over the final two periods after finishing with eight in the opening frame.

The two teams combined for 10 penalties and 20 minutes in the box Friday evening. Each team converted on one power play goal, the Falcons finishing 1-for-3 and the Sabres going 1-for-5 with the advantage.

CUW (4-2-1, 3-2-0 NCHA) will return to the ice tomorrow when it takes on Finlandia University at the Ozaukee Ice Center. Despite being in the same conference, tomorrow's tilt will not count towards the NCHA standings and will begin at 5:30 p.m.