Fast Start Sets the Tone
UW-Stout wasted no time jumping ahead, scoring four first-quarter goals to take early control. Abigail Todey put the Blue Devils on the board with a man-down goal at the 11:47 mark, and she quickly added another just two minutes later on a free-position shot. Todey completed her first-quarter hat trick with 6:01 left, giving Stout a commanding 3-0 lead.
Megan Palmer closed out the opening period with a goal in the final seconds to put Stout up 4-1. Marian fought back in the second quarter, netting two goals, including a late tally from Makenzie Gaulke, to cut the deficit to 4-3 at halftime.
Second-Half Battle
The Blue Devils responded in the third quarter when Palmer struck again, pushing the lead to 5-3. Just minutes later, Mai Nou Vang added her first goal of the game on a man-up opportunity, giving Stout its largest lead at 6-3. Marian kept the pressure on, with Emma Heide scoring late in the third and Izzy Newton finding the net in the fourth to make it a one-goal game.
With the score at 6-5 and the Sabres threatening, Todey delivered the dagger. The senior attacker notched her fourth goal of the night with 3:43 remaining on a man-up opportunity, sealing the 7-5 win for Stout.
Defensive Stand and Key Contributions
While Marian outshot Stout 32-20, the Blue Devil defense stood tall. Goalkeeper Emilia Bullock was outstanding between the pipes, recording 16 saves to anchor the back line. Stout also held a slight edge in ground balls, collecting 35 to Marian's 34, and executed on two of their four free-position attempts.
On the defensive side, Riley Schulte and Luci Fitzgerald caused turnovers at key moments, while Tatum Kluender and Brinley Tonn helped control possession. Despite being outdrawn 9-7 in draw controls, the Blue Devils' ability to force turnovers and capitalize on power plays proved crucial.
Newton and Heide led Marian with two goals apiece, while Nicole Stachon dished out three assists. Marian goalkeeper Emma Johnson finished with nine saves.
Up Next
The Blue Devils will look to continue their unbeaten streak when they return home to Nelson Field to host Concordia University Wisconsin on Saturday, March 22nd, at 3 p.m.
