Millersville, Pa. - If the Marauders' efforts on Tuesday at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium had to be summed up in one word, that word would be gritty. It wasn't pretty, but Millersville pulled out a crucial win over PSAC opponent Bloomsburg, defeating the Huskies 2-1 in double overtime on Olivia Hershey's game-winning shot.

As Kyra Brakefield stole the ball and accelerated up field, it became evident that Millersville had yet another overtime opportunity to score. Hershey streaked between the two defenders, and Brakefield's pass found her at an ideal time. Hershey, a senior, showed her experience and after dribbling closer to the net, nailed a reverse shot, ending the 90-minute, double overtime game.

"I saw the split in the defense," Hershey said of the final play. "(Brakefield) split it, and I hit the shot."

Millersville improves to 12-3 with the win, but far more importantly, they are still top three in the conference at 5-2, which is important for NCAA Tournament implications, as the top three teams in the region will qualify for the tournament.

"We needed to win today," said Marauders' coach Shelly Behrens. "We needed to do exactly what we did today, and I'm glad we did."

Bloomsburg's conference record falls to 4-3 with the loss, hurting its NCAA Tournament chances but not ending them.

Bloomsburg was nearly the team celebrating at the end of the day. The Huskies led for over 30 minutes, leading Millersville is shots and shots on goal through regulation. Millersville only attempted two shots on goal before overtime. Fortunately for Millersville, Taylor Parker's goal was one of them.

With just under 18 minutes remaining, Maragaret Thorwart sent in a shot, and Parker was there to make sure it went in. The senior redirected the shot, and Millersville had tied the game up at one.

"We showed shear will and desire today," said Behrens on the win.

Bloomsburg's goal came 21 minutes into the first half as Sam Peters slipped one past Millersville goalkeeper Samantha Rumler. The Marauder keeper was an important factor in the win, though, saving seven shots. With less than five minutes left to play in the first overtime, Rumler made two game-saving stops. After Rumler made a save on the first shot, Bloomsburg's Erica Krebs found herself with only Rumler between her and the goal. Rumler came up big; making what would be one of her three overtime saves in the game.

"(The win) was huge for us," said Hershey. "That's Ville field hockey."

Millersville is tied with West Chester for the third spot in the PSAC. The two teams will play a pivotal game next week in West Chester.

Before that game is Millersville's matchup with Kutztown (4-3 PSAC). The Marauders take on the Golden Bears Friday in Kutztown. Millersville defeated the Bears 1-0 in double overtime in the last game between the two schools.