HANCOCK - The Finlandia women's hockey team had no sympathy for Marian College in the inaugural game for Marian's women's hockey program, spoiling the Sabres' debut with three third-period goals in a 5-2 victory.

Also playing their season opener, the Lions went up 2-0 early, with Emily Marcotte netting the first goal of the season 3:13 into the game from Nicole Schumacher and Jolene Kneebone, and Kendra Benson doubling the lead at the 10:11 mark from Kate Matanich.

The Sabres scrambled back, with Amy Knutson scoring the first goal in their program's history, on the power play at 14:19 of the first. It took Marian only 1:45 to get a second, which came from Rachel Mullendore.

After a scoreless second period, Chelsea Pollard scored at 3:33 of the third period to put Finlandia in the lead for good. Matanich and Marcotte addd goals 47 seconds apart near the midway point in the period to wrap up the scoring.

Ashley Pavlish made 23 saves to earn the win for Finlandia, while Kendra Kunkel stopped 20 shots for Marian.

Though the Sabres have joined Finlandia in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, Saturday's game was a non-conference affair. The Lions have a pair of non-conference road tilts next weekend at St. Catherine Friday and St. Benedict Saturday.