MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Millersville women's basketball team earned its first victory of the season in Saturday night's CIAA/PSAC Challenge opener against Shaw behind 18 points from graduate transfer, Taylor Langan. Eight of Langan's points came on a 16-4 Marauder run in the back-half of third-quarter action that propelled the team to its 59-41 win over the visiting Bears.

On top of Lagan's performance, La'Shyra Williams posted a near double-double, with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Brenna Ortwein recorded seven points and seven boards. Freshman, Marin Miller drew the start at point guard and delivered eight points off 3-10 shooting, 2-6 from beyond the arch.

Saturday's victory marks head coach Sharay Hall's first season-opening win since her start with the Black and Gold in 2020. 'Ville will look to improve to 2-0 tomorrow against its second CIAA opponent of the weekend, Virginia Union.

HOW IT HAPPENED
• After falling behind 11-5, the Marauders went on a 12-2 run that was fueled by five forced turnovers to take a 17-13 lead at the end of first-quarter action.
• The Marauders entered the second half with a four-point advantage that Shaw quickly erased with two quick buckets to start the third. The Bears would take a 28-26 lead midway through the quarter before 'Ville broke away, going on a 16-4 run that saw five different players score, which gave coach Hall's group a 10-point edge heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
• The Bears cut 'Ville's lead to four at the start of the fourth, but the Marauders wouldn't let up, going on a 17-3 run to end the game which secured the win.

POSTGAME REACTION FROM COACH SHARAY HALL
• On offensive efficiency: "I think what impressed me most today offensively was the selfless basketball that we played. I thought we moved the ball well and always were looking for our teammates and what we call the 'one more pass'."
• On the strong defense: "Defense is our identity. We have season goals on the defensive end and will continue to build there. I thought our tips deflections and communication as a unit was a key to our success today."
• On Langan's first performance in Black and Gold: "Having that experience on the team is huge for us. Tay is a leader and communicates well with every one on the roster. Therefore on the floor they trust her and she breathes confidence into everyone around her."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• 'Ville out-rebounded Shaw, 41-27, including 19 offensive rebounds.  
• The Marauders held a 14-9 edge on second-chance points.
• Millersville forced 24 Shaw turnovers that resulted in 24 points – Shaw scored 14 points off Marauder mistakes.
• Christina Brown recorded a team-high three assists in 12 minutes off the bench.

UP NEXT
• Millersville will host Virginia Union tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a chance to start 2-0.