Sterling Heights -- The Regina vs. Marian powderpuff girls' football game matched the expected intensity levels on Saturday, but it was Marian that scored the 20-7 win on the rain-soaked field of Adlai Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights.

"It means everything to them," said Marian's Tim Wallace, who coached his 31st powderpuff football game. "It gets their senior year off to a great start and gets them together as a class."

The matchup carries a ton of history. Marian and Regina have faced each other now 29 times since 1981. The game itself dates back even further -- to the 1960s for Regina. It's the seniors from each all-girls Catholic high school that face off, which means they only get one shot their entire high school career.

And while the backs of the girl's jerseys don lighthearted nicknames like "Rock 'n' Rye," "Mega-Star," and "Hercules," the looks on their faces unmistakably indicated their determination to win the one-game season.

Regina coach Joe Dinverno agreed with Wallace that the game is a true focal point for the senior class.

"It really sets a tone for their senior year," Dinverno said. "We talk a lot about the tradition of the game."

And while Regina coaches and plays to win, he added that it was at least some consolation that Regina didn't give up -- and didn't suffer back-to-back shutouts. After two straight victories in 2007 and 2008, Regina lost last year's game 22-0.

Marian struck fin the first quarter on a long punt return from Danielle Mazur. A missed extra point made it a 6-0 score.

The Marian offense, led by quarterback Jenny Franz, accounted for the next two touchdowns. Tailback Kelsey Summers took the ball in on a short run in the second quarter, inflating the lead to 13-0 after a successful point-after try.

Wide receiver Martha Stevens took the ball in for a third score in the third quarter. Marian's defense dominated until the closing minutes, with strong play from defensive end Maura Mullory.

Regina found their pay dirt with a few ticks left on the clock as Katy Jakubik threw a short pass to Adrienne Linke in the end zone. Despite the 20-7 final score, coach Dinverno cited some strong play from Regina defensive ends Megan Shaum and Stephanie Berg.