MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - After a surprise run that led to an unexpected trip to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament for the first time since 2016, the Millersville University women's lacrosse team is set to reach the postseason for a second year in a row.

Cindy Wilson enters her second season as the head coach and became the program's first head coach to lead the Marauders into postseason play during her inaugural season.

"It really gave the team a taste of what it's like to make it to the postseason," said Wilson. "It was something that we were really proud of and excited about. Going into this season, it is more of an expectation for us to get back there and do what we need to do."

Wilson is joined once again by Amy Beard for her second season. For the first time, Millersville has added a graduate assistant to its staff. Nicole Clauter is the newest addition to the Marauders embarking on her first season following a successful playing career at York College where she was named Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Player of the Year twice. 

In the 2019 season, the Marauders ranked seventh in the PSAC in goals per game (11.33) and shot percentage (.396), fourth in ground balls per game (22.72) and allowed the fifth-fewest goals per game (10.5). Following an impressive season under first-year head coach Wilson, the Marauders were picked to finish third in the 2020 PSAC East preseason poll. This season is the first time that the PSAC has split into divisional play for lacrosse. The top three seeds from each division will qualify for the PSAC Tournament. 

Millersville is returning seven starters, including its top three goal scorers from 2019 and reigning PSAC Freshman of the Year Grace Cobaugh. Genevieve Speights, Gillian Zimmerman, Sarah Leverentz and Cobaugh all return in the midfield.

"Having our midfield is a big strength for us," said Wilson. "They do a lot for us in terms of getting possession off the draw, in transition, and they are big role players for us on both sides of the ball. Having them have experience already and being able to build off that is really big."

Both Zimmerman and Speights return to the field following strong sophomore campaigns. Zimmerman led the Marauders in goals with 40, and 82 of her 99 shots landed on goal for an 82.8 shots on goal percentage. Speights tallied 37 goals--the second most on the team, as well as 11 assists. She led in game-winning goals with four and totaled a team-high 59 draw controls.

Leverentz follows closely behind as the third leading goal scorer on the team with 26 goals and five assists. She led the Marauders in caused turnovers forcing 24 and was second in draw controls with 50. Cobaugh made the most of her freshman campaign capturing the PSAC Freshmen of the Year honor after totaling 24 goals and seven assists. She was third on the team in draw controls with 39.

"Grace is a natural leader. Even as a freshman, she was a great example for all of her teammates and she continues to do that. She's one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet and has such a positive attitude all the time," Wilson said, "She was excited to get that honor, but it doesn't change how she does things. She continues to work to get better and motivate her teammates."  

Also returning for the Marauders at midfield are MaryCait Dorley, Brianna Smith and Lauren Slonaker.

Key to the offensive core at the top of the midfield is Sarah Burney. Burney tallied the second-most points on the team (45) off of 19 goals and 26 assists. Hayden Corcoran joins the front line for the Marauders following an injury that kept her from the field during her freshman season.

"We're working on a fast-paced offense and being able to have a balanced attack with a lot of different people that can be threats," Wilson said, "Sara Burney is a major returner for us, but we also have Hayden Corcoran who was injured last season and has come back ready to do it all."

The Marauders also welcome back Eliza McNamara, Amanda Juliano, Emily Jacobsen and Calie Swegon to the attack.

The defense is anchored by seniors Jasa Lorah and Michella Salvitti. Lorah, who earned All-PSAC Third Team honors last season, led the Marauders in ground balls (51) and was third in caused turnovers (20). Salvitti saw playing time in 17 games totaling 32 ground balls and forcing 13 turnovers.

"We graduated some good defenders, but we're lucky that we have two senior defenders who have a lot of experience still in Jasa Lorah and Michella Salvitti," said Wilson, "They're really good leaders for us in the back and are able to take over and quarterback the defense."

Lauren Ferriola and Samantha Kreis return to the back line with Lorah and Salvitti.

Millersville lost goalkeeper Shannon Davis, who notched 167 saves for a .479 save percentage last season. Junior Kelly Layton will step into the net for Millersville in place of Davis. Layton has recorded 113 minutes at goalie in her three seasons totaling her most time in 2018 with 90 minutes and 11 of her 17 career saves.

"Shannon Davis definitely held a lot of playing time, but Kelly has had a lot of experience playing abroad and playing on different teams," Wilson said, "She is somebody that likes a challenge and is ready to step up for it. So it's just about helping her have that confidence and gain that experience."

Five newcomers join the team for the 2020 season. Charlotte Lasak, Julia Barstow and Jordan Nitto join the midfield while Taiyana Goldsborugh joins the defense. Kaleigh Sasdelli joins Layton at goalie.

"They are very committed to the team, which is something that helps to push the upperclassmen to continue to be better," Wilson said, "We brought in positions across the board to continue to help build depth."

With the new and returning talent, the Marauders have high hopes for another playoff run this season.

"We've gotten there once, so it is something that is a goal for us but also something that we see as doable and within our reach," said Wilson, "We want to continue to get better not only every day, but every season as well."  

Millersville opens its 2020 campaign on the road at Wilmington this Saturday, Feb, 22 at 1 p.m. The Marauders face a five-game road stretch before returning to Biemesderfer Stadium for their home opener against West Chester on Friday, March 13.