Millersville, Pa. - What better way to open up Pucillo Field than with a 2-0 victory over Slippery Rock, which happened to be the preseason Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference favorites. With a ribbon cutting ceremony prior to kickoff the $2.5 million dollar facility was opened up in style.
Slippery Rock (0-1, 0-1 PSAC) entered play as the No. 7 ranked team in the nation according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and looked to force it's will early versus the hometown Millersville (1-0, 1-0 PSAC) squad. Both teams played evenly trading possession back and forth through the first 45 minutes of play.
Millersville was constantly able to put shots on net and a goal finally trickled past The Rock's goalkeeper Annabelle Hegeman in the 60th minute. The first goal on the season was credited to Halie Parker and was assisted by Megan Kelley. The Marauders continued to fire shots on net as they added an insurance goal at the 72:37 mark, when Hannah Willett converted a free kick from 18 yards out.
As a team Millersville edged The Rock in shots 15-9. Marauder goalkeeper Olivia Webber was able to make four saves on the way to her tenth shutout of her colligate career.
Millersville will look to build off of its early season momentum when they go on the road to play California (Pa.) at 5 p.m. Saturday.
