BISMARCK, ND – In a matchup between two teams hunting for home field in the Northern Sun tournament, the University of Mary struck first but Augustana University struck twice late in the opening half as the visiting Vikings downed the Marauders 3-1.
 
Suffering only their second loss of the season, the Marauders are an impressive 8-2-3 overall and 5-2-3 in the NSIC. UMary currently sits in 6^th place with 18 points. Augustana is 6-5-2 and 6-3-1. The Vikings are 5^th with 19 points. The top four teams in the final standings host opening round games.
 
Yasmina Dokara got the Marauders on the board early in the game. Taking a pass from Olivia Gardner outside the penalty area on the right side, the senior captain placed a perfect shot just inside the left post only 3:35 into the match for a quick 1-0 lead.
 
The Marauders nearly doubled their lead in the 27^th minute but a slow rolling shot by Olivia Gardner was cleared away by a Vikings defender from behind just inches before the ball was to cross the end line into the net.
 
A freewheeling game that featured 33 shots, numerous scoring opportunities and several spectacular saves by Marauders goalkeeper Madisyn Waltman, the contest tipped towards the Vikings just before intermission.
 
The Vikings found the equalizer at 41:03 on a counter by Ally Hamski. Moments later Ellie Schock scored at 44:22 to send Augie into intermission with a 2-1 lead.
 
Augustana added a 3^rd goal in the 55^th minute to seal the Vikings win.
 
The Marauders finished the game with 14 shots, including 10 on frame. Augie finished with 19 shots, including 10 on goal.
 
Waltman closed the day with seven saves. Jillian Barkus had eight saves for Augustana.
 
With five games left on the schedule, the Marauders now head back on the road to open a 2-game road trip at Concordia-St. Paul on Friday, Oct. 14, before visiting Minnesota State University on Sunday, Oct. 16. The Golden Bears are 4^th in the conference standings with 20 points and the Mavericks sit in first place.
 
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