ST. PAUL, Minn.-- A stunning first half strike from 25 yards out and a half time lead were not enough for North Central to get in the win column in conference play for the first time in 2013. The Rams held a 1-0 lead at halftime before surrendering a trio of second half goals to The University of Northwestern in a 3-1 road loss on Friday afternoon.

North Central took the lead on a beautiful shot from 25 yards out off the foot of senior Marissa Dean (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North). The shot floated just over the Northwestern goal keeper's head and into the net to give the Rams their first lead over Northwestern in several years. The goal game in the 39th minute and NCU would go into the locker room up 1-0.

But Northwestern quickly took charge in the second half by scoring in the 50th minute and again in the 77th minute. Any chance the Rams had in salvaging a point in the standings dissolved when UNW added a third goal late on in the 88th minute.

The unassisted Rams goal was the third of the year for Marissa Dean which ties her for second on the team. Dean is also third on the team with seven points on the season.

NCU and UNW will complete their season home and home schedule in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play with a quick rematch tomorrow afternoon. Saturday's quick turnaround  will be hosted by the Rams at Coon Rapids Soccer Complex and kicks off at Noon.