MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Millersville was on a mission on Friday evening as the Marauders overcame a first set loss to defeat the Shippensburg Raiders in four sets at Pucillo Gymnasium.
 
The matchup proved to close in nearly every statistical category, but Millersville (11-7, 2-2 PSAC) was able to capitalize on its opportunities to win its second straight PSAC East matchup. Shippensburg (8-9, 2-2 PSAC) dominated at the net with eight blocks to Millersville's one but the Raiders ultimately could not continue their momentum from the first set.

HOW IT HAPPENED
(25-19, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17)

• The Raiders took an 11-3 lead in set one as Millersville struggled to find its footing, committing four early attacking errors. Despite closing the gap throughout the second half of the set, the Marauders never got within five and truly threatened the Raider lead.
• 'Ville fired on all cylinders to open the second set, taking a 9-2 lead. A five-point rally, highlighted by a pair of Becca Dalstad aces, put the Marauders ahead 14-5. Despite leading 20-13, the Marauders struggled late in the set as the Raiders rattled off ten consecutive points to force a late lead change and go ahead 22-20. The Marauders battled back, taking five of the final six points of the set to even the match at 1-1.
• The third set saw Millersville continue its aggressive serving, as Emily Hoffman recorded three consecutive aces to help 'Ville to a 7-5 lead. Millersville led the rest of the way, but the Raiders did not go down quietly, again rallying late to threaten the Marauder lead. With Millersville ahead 24-19, Shippensburg score five straight points to get within one, 24-23. A Laurel Samko kill ended the Ship rally and gave the Marauders a 2-1 advantage in the match.
• The fourth set saw more consistent play from both sides, as it featured a match high seven ties and two lead changes. Millersville was able to produce side outs in 11 of 18 opportunities, their highest success rate of the match. Leading 14-12, the Marauders earned eight straight points to take a ten-point lead. The rally was highlighted by another pair of aces from Hoffman. Samko ended the match with a kill as she had the final touch in both the third and fourth set.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Kylie Airesman led the team in kills with 13, setting a new season high. Samko (9) and Rose Vail (8) also turned in strong offensive showings.
• Hoffman was responsible for six of the teams ten aces, as she set a new season high from the service line.
• Emma Ludwig recorded 34 assists, eclipsing 30 assists for the fourth time this season.
• Dalstad (18) led the team in digs, while Mya Cascario (12) and Ludwig (11) were both in double-figures.

REACTION FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN SMITH
"The match will not be going down as one of the top-five epic Ship vs 'Ville clashes, but we are happy with the win. Kylie really carried us at several crucial times in the match.  This is her second straight performance in a row, and we needed all of it tonight. Rylee had a solid performance and Emma had success offensively as well. It wasn't as clean as we like to play but when you can find a way as a team to win, it's good."
 
UP NEXT

• 'Ville concludes its seven-match home stand on Saturday, Oct. 1 with a PSAC East matchup against the Shepherd Rams. First serves are set for 2 p.m. from Pucillo Gymnasium.