FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Saturday saw the Concordia University Wisconsin women's hockey team cap off a record-breaking regular season with a 3-1 victory over Marian, finishing with an impressive 18-6-1 overall record and a 13-4-1 mark in Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) play.

The Sabres came out determined to defend their home ice, taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

However, the Falcons responded in the second period. Just 6:34 into the frame, junior Makayla Spejcher (Green Bay, Wis.) tied the game at 1-1 with an unassisted goal. The teams entered the second intermission still locked at 1-1, as the Sabres were held scoreless by CUW's defense.

Spejcher continued her stellar performance in the third period, scoring the eventual game-winner at 7:32. She was assisted by senior Natalie Mackrell (Florissant, Colo.) and sophomore Ava Litkey (Kenosha, Wis.).

The Falcons added an insurance goal at 4:28 when senior Amanda Bauer (Waunakee, Wis.) found the back of the net with assistance from sophomore Mackaylan McGown (Inver Grove, Minn.).

Sophomore goaltender Carolyn Bourgeault (Buffalo, N.Y.) played a crucial role in securing the victory, recording 16 saves and improving to 6-0-0 on the season.

The Falcons' defense was also stellar, successfully killing all four Sabres' power-play opportunities.

In the faceoff circle, McGown led the team with 17 wins and only four losses, while senior Brooke Gibson (LaSalle, Ont.) added 10 wins.

The Falcons will meet the Sabres again in the Quarterfinals of the Slaats Cup, with both games scheduled at the Ozaukee Ice Center. The Friday matchup is set for 7 p.m., and the Saturday contest will start at 5 p.m.