MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Millersville field hockey team went back and forth against Lander in its first ever meeting with the Bearcats, but a last-second goal in overtime dropped the Marauders 3–2. Millersville now stands at 9–6 on the season.
 
In a low-event first quarter, neither team really created anything in terms of scoring opportunity. It was a tug-of-war possession battle that opened up in the second quarter for Lander. Kerstin Koons had one of her best games of the season, making a season-high 11 saves, and was called upon frequently in the second quarter. Koons stopped all four shots on goal the Bearcats sent her way to keep the game scoreless at halftime.
 
The Marauders had their first high-danger chance five minutes into the second half. Off a corner, the Marauders had a chance but were awarded a penalty stroke. Caitlin Wassermann took the shot for Millersville and slammed it home to give the Marauders a 1–0 lead.
 
As the third quarter was winding down, the Marauders were stuck in their own end. Koons made two stops to deny the Bearcats. However, they were awarded a penalty corner as the quarter was winding down and scored on the last shot of the frame to tie the game. The Bearcats were able to take the lead about 10 minutes into the fourth quarter and put Lander up 2-1. 
 
Millersville fought right back and put the pressure on the Lander defense immediately. The Marauders got a penalty corner 30 seconds later, and Bri Harsh passed it to Kristin Strijdom who tied the game with under five minutes left. Millersville had a couple of other chances, but the game stayed tied.
 
The Bearcats outshot the Marauders 5–0 in overtime, and although Millersville had a couple of chances almost develop, the Marauders couldn't generate anything to put on net. The Bearcats nearly ended it eight minutes in when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Koons stepped up to keep the Marauders alive, making a diving save to her left to prolong the game. But, with time winding down, the Bearcats made one last push and were able to get the ball close to the net and score with one second left.
 
The Marauders have two more games in the regular season, both against PSAC opponents. Millersville hosts No. 3 Kutztown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Marauders were outshot for the second time this season, as the Bearcats led 18–9 and 14–6 in shots on goal. The Bearcats also led in penalty corners 11–9.
• Koons had a save in every quarter except the first, when the Marauders outshot the Bearcats 3–0.

 
GAME NOTES

• Koons' 11 saves tied her career high previously set at Shippensburg in 2021.
• The game was the first ever meeting between Lander and Millersville in field hockey.

 
POSTGAME REACTION FROM SHELLY BEHRENS
Overall thoughts: "I'm disappointed for the kids. Lander is a very talented international team. But you know I thought we played well. I thought we responded really well to come back after giving up a second, just coming back in and scoring. I thought we played really well today, just didn't get the result."
 
On Koons' performance: "Anytime you score on a stroke, and you save a stroke, it's typically a good day. I'm not sure we've given up three goals all year. But regardless of that, it's we giving up three goals. I think our goalkeeping has been pretty consistent all year. They have a nice goalkeeper as well, and it was probably a great game to watch. Just again, disappointing for my kids. Not disappointed in them at all."
 
On what's next with two games left: "Every game is huge, every game from September on is big. It's the 24-hour rule for us. Just take step back, breathe, come out, plan, and we're looking forward to Wednesday."