Millersville, Pennsylvania - The first half was a back-and-forth battle for field position in Saturday's field hockey contest between Millersville and the visiting IUP Crimons Hawks. The second half was not. Aliza Mizak, Courtney Weaver and Maci Langone all scored to give the Marauders a 3-1 victory in their PSAC opener, improving their record to 6-1 (1-0).

After only attempting one shot on goal in the second half, Mizak put matters into her own hands. The sophomore recovered the ball around the 10 yard line, crossed over two opponent defenders and slipped by a third in a jaw-dropping display of profound ball-handling. She finished the job after getting past the last defender, sending the ball into the back of the net, and the Marauders into a 1-0 lead.

"I just pulled left, pulled right, and shot on goal, just like we practice," said Mizak.

The goal was just the start for Millersville, not even four minutes later Courtney Weaver scored her first goal of the season off a beautiful pass from Kathleen Bishop. Weaver received the pass in stride, and one-timed it into the back of the net.

"I kind of read her," Weaver said of Bishop, "she put the ball exactly where I expected it."

After only taking five shots in the first half, Millersville finished with 16 shots, including seven on goal. In the second half, the Marauders dominated time of possession, also forcing 12 corners in the victory.
Millersville's final goal came from Maci Langone, it was assisted by Erica Tarsi. IUP scored their lone goal with 10 minutes remaining in the game, Amber Bailey was responsible, recovering a loose ball and sending her shot into the upper-right corner.

Marauder goal keeper Sam Rumler had a save in the win, and her personal record improved to 6-1. Millersville has now won the last 16 regular season home games, with their last loss in such games coming on Oct. 14, 2014, nearly two years ago. The Marauders have also only let up two goals at home in five games.

"We're pretty confident," said Mizak on her thoughts on the rest of the season. "But we still have some things to work on too."

Millersville will take on Slippery Rock at 4 p.m. at home on Tuesday.