BELOIT, WI - The Beloit College Buccaneers women's ice hockey team played their first home game of their inaugural season this afternoon.The Buccaneers faced a tough 4-0 loss to Marian University. The Bucs fall to 0-2 on the early season, while the Sabres improve to 2-0. 

From the outset, Beloit's defense and goaltending were put to the test. Marian recorded 29 shots on goal throughout the game, with Buccaneers' goalie Madison Bliss (Fort Frances, Ontario) making an impressive 18 saves. Bliss faced a barrage of shots, particularly in the second period where she turned away 11 attempts, keeping her team within striking distance.

The Buccaneers' offense struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities, managing only 13 total shots on goal over three periods. Their best period for offensive output came in the first, with 5 shots on target, but Marian's Jillian Traver was up to the task, saving all 13 shots she faced. Beloit also found themselves shorthanded at critical moments, with four penalties resulting in eight penalty minutes. While they successfully killed off a 5-on-3 power play in the second period, the constant defensive pressure limited their ability to transition to offense.

Individual efforts from Beloit players showed promise, particularly in face-offs. Rachel Fussy (Mahtomedi, Minn.) led the team with an impressive 81.3% win rate in face-offs, securing 13 wins out of 16 attempts. Kennedy Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) also contributed significantly, winning 8 of her 11 face-offs.

However, Marian's scoring proved decisive. Marian opened the scoring in the 13th in the first period. The Sabres then broke the game open in the third period with goals in the 6th, 17th and 19th minutes. 

Beloit College will look to regroup and build upon the lessons learned from this opening weekend as they continue their season. They head to Appleton, Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 4th to face the Vikings of Lawrence University. Face off is set for 8 pm from the Community First Champion Center.