WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Millersville field hockey team secured a crucial victory over PSAC foe West Chester, winning on the road 1–0. The Marauders improved to 9–4 overall and 3–3 against PSAC opponents.
 
The first quarter was featured each team trading chances, but not being able to convert. However, action picked up in the second quarter. Early in the frame, the Golden Rams got a penalty corner, and although they couldn't convert on that, they were awarded a penalty stroke. Kayla Snyder, who scored on a penalty stroke earlier in the season, was subbed in for the Golden Rams, but Kerstin Koons shut her down to keep the game scoreless. 
 
Head coach Shelly Behrens said the team fed off that stop from Koons, using the energy and momentum to propel them forward.
 
"How can they not [feed off that save], right," Behrens asked. "That's what I said, we've talked about this, we keep getting knocked down, and we keep getting back up. And that's what sports teaches you, and the kids resiliency today and throughout the season has just been great. We just saw a bit of a payoff today with the result. It's nice to get the result to validate that performance but [Koons] was great. There was a couple that she had just got her toenail on and just kept the ball out of the net."
 
West Chester had another chance after that, but the stop was a turning point for the Marauders. With five minutes left in the half, Emma Ruley brought the ball down the field, weaving around defenders. Ruley had a mini breakaway with the goalkeeper and was able to get the ball past her and put the Marauders on the board.
 
The teams traded chances in the third quarter, as West Chester made some pushes to tie the game, but the Marauders had even more opportunities to extend their lead. 
 
The Golden Rams put the pressure on the Marauders defense in the fourth vying for that tying goal.  Early in the fourth, West Chester had a couple of corners that forced the defense to stand tall. Koons made a save, the defense forced a shot wide, and a green card on West Chester neutralized the situation. The Marauders nearly responded to that push with an insurance goal, but a shot from Kristin Strijdom was blocked. The Golden Rams went on the offensive in the last eight minutes, but the Marauders were able to withstand the storm and hold on for the important conference win.
 
The Marauders have a week before their next game, as they'll be on the road at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Bloomsburg, Pa. for another PSAC contest.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Marauders outshot the Golden Rams 11–9, but they only had two shots on goal to the Golden Rams 3. 
• West Chester had the advantage in penalty corners 6–5.
• Kerstin Koons made three saves in the shutout win, marking her sixth shutout win of the season.

 
GAME NOTES

• The road win in West Chester is the Marauders first since 2013.
• The 1–0 win is the Marauders first win in one goal games this season.
• West Chester was only shut out once this season prior to the game.

 
POSTGAME REACTION FROM SHELLY BEHRENS
Overall thoughts on the win: "My thoughts are everywhere right now, but I'm just so proud of our kids. It's a tough place to play and get a win here, and I thought we did a nice job today. We beat a very good team today on the road and it's a great conference win."
 
On getting a win in a one-goal game: "I'll take it. We played a very good team in Westchester, they're very well coached team and they're tough to beat here. But yeah, it's nice to be on that side of it and get the result. And again, I'm just proud of our kids for sticking with it and sticking with the game plan. I really loved how they stayed together today. And I think that's a great tool for us is how we stay together when we keep our structure."
 
On winning a crucial PSAC game: "I think again, it's what we've done all along, as we just go to our habits? We go to how we approach our work, go to how we start habits. And I thought we kept things really in check today for us. And I think one of the biggest things you saw today was really good team defense in all the lines, right at the attacking line and maybe a lot of defensive line and goalie, it was good team defense today. And I think that really kept us here because Westchester can create a lot of chances in the attacking 25. Tt was how are we going to approach our work? And are we going to enjoy our work? And let's go out and let's work together, the scoreboard will take care of itself. And that's our approach."
 
On the plans for a week between games: "It's already planned out. We already have that planned out for us. And again, it doesn't get easier. It doesn't ever get easy in the PSAC and that's what I love about PSAC is great competition. So, we're going to enjoy this one. It's a day off tomorrow, we'll come back ready to work on Friday and prepare as we go.