Box Score After making a trip to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs for the first time since 2009 last season, the St. Catherine University hockey team hoped it could repeat similar success in the 2013-14 season by kicking off the year in winning fashion against Marian University.

Unfortuanately, the Wildcats couldn't overcome a four-goal second period by the Sabres as they suffered a disappointing 5-1 loss in their home opener Saturday afternoon at Drake Arena in St. Paul. 

"This wasn't the way we wanted to start the year," said Head Coach Brad Marshall. "We knew there would be mistakes, but when you turn the puck over as many times as we did where we committed them, you won't have too much success. So we'll work at it again this week and see if there's improvement next weekend." 

The Sabres got on the board thanks to a power play opportunity to take a 1-0 lead less than nine minutes into the game. The Wildcats managed to hold off the Sabres throughout the rest of the third period, but couldn't find a way to slow down their opponent before the Sabres took a 4-0 lead. 

The Wildcats attempted to comeback in the second when Annie Buttermore (Mahtomedi, Minn.) recorded her first goal of the season on a set up from Hannah Okerstrom (Bayport, Minn.) and Mallory Ryan (Cottage Grove, Minn.). The Sabres would add one more in the second to solidify the victory.

Goalie Alex Hall (Burnsville, Minn.) recoreded her first loss of the season with eight saves, while Samantha Geissler (Elk River, Minn.) had 10 saves. 

Amanda Waigand had a four-point day for the Sabres with two goals and two assists, while Alexander recorded 31 saves in the win.

The Wildcats return to non-conference action next Friday as they play host to UW-Eau Claire. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Drake Arena. 

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