FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- The Lawrence University men's hockey team surged ahead early Friday and pulled away for a 5-2 Northern Collegiate Hockey Association victory over Marian University at the Blue Line Ice Center.
    It was the opener in the annual Battle of Highway 41 series, and the Vikings are looking to retain possession of the traveling trophy.
    The Vikings (4-11-2, 3-7-1 NCHA) jumped on Marian early as Carter Cloutier scored just 40 seconds into the contest off assists from Jack Michels and Cristian Tallrico. 
    Lawrence quickly made it 2-0 when Hayden Johnson scored at the 8:49 mark of the first off assists from Michels and Jeb Dee for a 2-0 advantage.
    Marian (6-12-0, 3-8-0) trimmed the lead to 2-1 on Daunte Fortner's goal at the 11:11 mark of the first, but the Vikings pulled away late in the second period.
    Jayden Jensen scored with just 3:41 left in the second off assists from Johnson and Michels for a 3-1 lead. Tallarico then made it 4-1 with just 1:16 left in the second with a goal off assists from Jensen and Michels. 
    Michels' four assists ties the second-high game total in school history.
    Marian trimmed the lead to 4-2 on Dayne Tews' goal at the 7:26 mark of the third, but the Vikings sealed the victory minutes later. 
    Josh Danis scored on Lawrence's only power play of the game off assists from Cloutier and Will Crull for a 5-2 lead at the 10:58 mark.
    Nolan Mahaffey made 33 saves to get the win for Lawrence. Tyler Fromolz stopped 16 shots for the Sabres.
    The teams finish the series Saturday night at the Appleton Ice Center.