Jessica Carter (Jr.-Schaumburg, Ill.) made 15 saves and the Lakeland College women's soccer team put forth a spectacular effort defensively before succumbing to Marian University 2-0 Tuesday afternoon.

The Muskies gave a strong final effort for the season on a day with bitter cold wind, remaining competitive against one of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference's better teams. Lakeland wrapped up its season with a 3-16-1 overall record, 0-10 in the NACC.

Carter stoned one Sabre shot after another, many from point-blank range in keeping the Muskies competitive throughout the match. The 15 saves were a career high, and also marked the eighth time this season she had at least 10 saves.

Carter also received help from her teammates clearing the ball off the goal line on several occasions. Twice in the first half Marian (10-7 overall, 7-3 NACC) was on the doorstep before the Muskie defenders saved the day, including one by Kelly Jens (Jr.-Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) in the 14th minute just before the ball crossed the line.

The score remained tied at halftime, but the Sabres finally broke the ice in the 59th minute. Marian's ninth corner kick of the game was finally the charm, as Laura Maly's service into the box rattled around a number of players before Kelly Kulinski got a piece of the ball and deflected it in for a 1-0 lead.

Ali Thompson (Sr.-Plymouth, Wis.) got in deep in the 81st minute and fired just the Muskies' second shot on goal of the match that was saved by Caitlyn Rosenberger. The Sabres then went the other way and scored their second goal at 80:35, as Brittany Syms played the ball ahead through the middle to Beth Merten, whose shot popped up over Carter stayed in play and bounced in the net for the insurance goal.

Marian outshot Lakeland 25-3 for the match, including an 18-2 margin in shot attempts. Jens and Brooke Schaller (Sr.-Howards Grove, Wis.) generated the remaining shots by the Muskies.

The match was the final one for four Lakeland seniors: Schaller, Thompson, Krystina Cook (Des Plaines, Ill.) and Stephanie Rock (Niagara, Wis.).