The Bulldogs opened BIG EAST play with a victory for the fourth straight year on Sunday, as they took down Marquette (2-7-1) 1-0. This is the second straight season Butler has opened BIG EAST play with a win against Marquette. Today's victory marked the first time Butler has beat Marquette on their home field since joining the BIG EAST.

"Marquette is considerably better than their record and to come here and get all three points down three starters due to injury says a lot about our team's toughness, grit, and resolve," Co-head coach Tari St. John said.

The Bulldogs were without starters Paige Monaghan, Cassidy Blacha, and Kyra Cooke in today's conference opener.

Freshman Anja Savich's lone goal in the first half proved to be the game-winner as the Bulldogs shutout the Golden Eagles for their fifth shutout of 2018. Starting goalkeeper Hannah Luedtke (7-2) received the win in goal, making one save. Leonie Doege took over in the second half, making two crucial saves to keep Marquette off the board.

The Bulldogs were the aggressors in the first half, taking seven shots compared to just two by the Golden Eagles. Halle Stelbasky and Elena Gutlove each had chances early in the first half but it was the 34^th minute that proved to be the difference as Savich finished a ball played into the box by Gutlove.

"Anja is continuing to find more and more ways to impact the game," St. John said. "She scored a great goal today."

Savich now has five goals on the year and leads the team in points with 11.

Marquette answered in the second half, keeping the Bulldogs on their heels much of the half. The Golden Eagles took eight shots in the final 45 minutes compared to four by Butler. The best chances for Marquette came in the 66^th and 86^th minute, both thwarted by the Butler defense.

Starting goalkeeper for Marquette Maddy Henry (2-7-1) received the loss in goal for the Golden Eagles, making four saves.

Butler looks to tally two more BIG EAST wins next week as Seton Hall and Providence make the trip to Indianapolis. Thursday's game against Seton Hall is set for 7PM and will stream on BEDN. Kickoff is slated for 1PM on Sunday against Providence and will be broadcast on Facebook Live.