Marian University women’s soccer (2-2-1, 1-0-0 NACC) rallied to defeat Wisconsin Lutheran 4-3 in the NACC opener.
The Warriors were able to get out to a fast start on the Sabres scoring just 2:02 into the match. Senior Ashley Welk provided the earlier equalizer at the 19:05 mark scoring after a chip pass from sophomore Abby Larson got behind defense. WLC would score once more about 10 minutes later to take a 2-1 advantage into the half.
The Sabres outshot the Warriors 9-5 in the opening stanza and came out firing to start the second half. Welk found the back of the net twice in the first 2:19 to quickly give Marian its first lead of the match. Her first was unassisted and came off of a turnover from a goal kick, while senior Meghan Batzner provided a helper on the second score. The hat trick was the first of her career and now gives her five goals on the season. Junior Allison Schnell then scored her first goal at the 61:21 mark with another assist going to Batzner. WLC made things interesting at the end scoring with just 8:51 left but Marian was able to hold off the Warriors.
Marian dominated the second half and finished with a 24-10 edge in shots for the game. Welk paced the Sabres with six of the shots and Batzner added five. Senior Kylie Lange (1-0-0) made five saves in her first start of the season.
Welk moves into seventh on the all-time scoring list at Marian in the victory and now has 88 points in her career.
Marian hosts Rockford Saturday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. in NACC action.
