BLOOMSBURG, Pa. - With a possible PSAC East Championship on the line, the Marauders knew the importance of Saturday's road game against Bloomsburg. A goal from Michael Dempsey in the second half gave Millersville a 1-0 win and put them on the brink of clinching a division title. 

It was an evenly matched first half. Both offenses made attacks up the field with a handful of shots, defenses and goalkeepers kept the game 0-0 going into the second half. After a short break, the Marauders received instruction from their coaching staff and stepped back on the field ready to go. In the 13th minute of the second half, it was Michael Dempsey that broke open the score with his fourth goal of the season. Roy Parkyn gained possession after a few deflections in the midfield and sent a through ball to Richy Valverde, who was making a run up the field. Valverde settled and placed a low cross through the box, connecting with the foot of Dempsey. 

Millersville mtaintained the 1-0 lead and contained the Huskies' offense for the remainder of the game. The Marauders improved to 8-1-2 in division,11-2-3 overall, holding the first place position in the PSAC East. Bloomsburg remains in second place with a 7-2-3 record, and West Chester lurks closely behind. The Marauders can clinch the division title on Sunday if West Chester ties or loses to Lock Haven. Otherwise, it will come down to the result of Friday's Senior Day game against Shepherd. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Millersville edged out the Huskies in shots 11-4 and in corners 5-1. 
• Valverde picked up his fifth assist of the season. 
• Travis Holiday picked up his eighth shutout of the season. 

GAME NOTES

• The Marauders' series lead against Bloomsburg improves to 39-16-6 since their first meeting in 1975.
• Millersville has now won six consecutive games since their win over Shepherd on Oct. 7. 
• Head Coach Steve Widdowson is now four wins from his 200th career win at Millersville. 

POSTGAME REACTION FROM STEVE WIDDOWSON

• On the dimension of the offense and versatility of his forwards: "Our attack has generally been very fluid this year with lots of players contributing. We always try to build a team with lots of scoring options, and this year has shown that. It's important for different players to step up throughout the season. More importantly, it's important to develop a goal scoring mentality based around teamwork. Our guys trust each other and celebrate each others goals and are happy to get assists knowing their teammates will return the favor later. Having said that, our attack can only flourish because of our overall defending which has been great from everyone in the later part of the season."

UP NEXT

• The Marauders return home to Pucillo Field for their last regular season game against Shepherd at 4 p.m. Millersville awaits the results between West Chester and Lock Haven, taking place Sunday at 3 p.m. If West Chester wins Sunday, the Marauders can take first place with a win over Shepherd.