FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Lakeland University women's soccer team gave one of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference's top teams a battle much of the way before falling to Marian University 2-0 Wednesday night at Smith Field.

The Muskies held down the Sabres much of the way before dropping to 5-11 overall and 2-9 in conference play with two matches left in the season. Marian improved to 10-3-4 overall and is now 8-2-1 in the NACC.

Lakeland trailed just 1-0 well into the second half, with the Sabres' first goal coming in rather nonchalant fashion. Emily Gordillo received the ball in the middle of the field shortly after a throw-in, and lifted a high, looping shot at the goal that turned out to be perfectly placed, just out of the reach of goalkeeper Faith Turley (Sr.-Lincoln, Ill.) and just under the crossbar for the opening goal just over 13 minutes in.

It would remain a one-goal game into halftime and to the 63rd minute in the second half when Marian added an insurance goal. Brianna Guelig took the ball away from a Muskies defender just in front of the goal, foiling an attempt to shield the ball and play it back to the goalkeeper, and Guelig quickly fired and scored inside the near post.
 
Lakeland was unable to break through for a goal, as Marian finished with a 20-8 advantage in shot attempts, including a 9-4 lead in shots on goal. Alondra Reyes (Sr.-Milwaukee, Wis.), Marlen Reyes (Sr.-Milwaukee, Wis.) and Hanna Brouch (Jr.-Kaukauna, Wis.) combined for the Muskies' shot attempts, including Marlen Reyes and Brouch with all four shots on goal.

The Muskies are back home Saturday for their final home match of the season and Senior Day against Rockford University at 1 p.m.