Box Score DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque Spartans played a hard-faught game against the Marian University Sabers on Thursday night but fell short, losing 2-1 at ImOn Arean. 

The Spartans presented a strong defensive effort early, with goalie Savannah Wuitschick leading the charge. She tallied an impressive 13 saves in the first period, keeping the Sabers scoreless in the first. Offensively, UD put pressure on Marian's defense with eight shots on goal in the opening period. 

The Sabres broke through just over three minutes into the second period, taking a 1-0 lead. Despite another eight shots from the Spartans in the second, Marian's defense held firm and UD went into the final period still scoreless.

The third period saw the Spartans pushing hard, staying competitive and applying pressure. UD pulled their goalie in the final minute to gain an extra attacker, but Marian seized the opportunity to score an empty-net goal with just 17 seconds remaining, extending their lead to 2-0.

Undeterred, the Spartans responded seconds later, finding the back of the net to cut the deficit to one. However, with time running out, the Spartans couldn't complete the comeback with the Sabres winning by a final of 2-1 at ImOn Arena.

Both teams faced significant time in the penalty box, with a combined 14 penalties—eight of which to UD. The Spartan's defense stood strong throughout, highlighted by Payton Kletke's  four blocks and a team total of 14 blocks. Savannah Wuitschick finished the night with an impressive 33 saves.

Up Next
The Spartans will look to bounce back in their next match-up on Saturday at 7:30 at Marian University.