MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - For the Millersville men's soccer team, there was no better way to honor the graduating seniors than with a 2-0 win over Shepherd, a PSAC East title and a No. 1 seed in the upcoming PSAC Tournament. 

Millersville navigated its PSAC East schedule with a brilliant 9-1-2 mark and take a 12-2-3 overall record and seven-game winning streak into the PSAC Tournament. 

Before Friday's regular season finale began, West Chester lost to East Stroudsburg guaranteeing Millersville the top spot. The Marauders did not let this news change their game plan or mindset in any way. From the first whistle, Millersville was quick to gain possession and make several attacks up field. Several shots were fired, but it was not until the 37th minute of play that Michael Dempsey gave the Marauders a 1-0 lead. After a deflected free kick by Mike Kreider just outside the eighteen-yard box, Zander Leik settled and placed a low line drive into the box, meeting the foot of Dempsey on a one touch volley. Dempsey's shot landed just inside the near post, outside the reach of Owen Wood. Millersville finished the first half leading, 1-0. 

The second half was slower in pace as the Marauders struggled to execute their attack. With under two minutes remaining in the game Millersville earned a corner kick that was quickly passed to Louis Wright. Wright saw Aaron Maynard making a run into the box and placed a perfectly placed chip just over the Shepherd defensive line. Maynard made an excellent run to the ball finishing the play with a leaping header into the back of the net, finalizing the win for the Marauders. 

Millersville has now won four PSAC East titles under head coach Steve Widdowson. Along with the No. 1 seed comes a bye. Millersville advances to the tournament semifinals, which is set to take place at Gannon. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Marauders' offense produced 23 shots and 10 on net, while the Marauders' defensive line prohibited the Rams from any shots. 
• Millersville applied pressure in the Shepherd half for a majority of the game earning themselves seven corner kicks. 
• With the goals from Dempsey and Maynard, the Marauders increased their season total to 31. 
• Millersville has outscored its last seven opponents by a 15-2 margin. 

GAME NOTES

• With tonight's win, the series between Shepherd and Millersville improves to 14-2 in favor of the Marauders, and Millersville is 8-0 at home.  
• Zander Leik received the lone yellow card of the match.  
• Widdowson needs three wins to reach his 200th win at Millersville. 

POSTGAME REACTION FROM STEVE WIDDOWSON:

• On honoring the graduating senior class: "Every year there is a mix of emotions saying goodbye to our seniors. This year was no different. As ever, there was sadness in the realization that their careers are almost over, but there is also joy and pride in seeing the careers that they have had and the men that they have grown into. They are a special group and we have been lucky to have them as Marauders."
• The overall performance during the match tonight: 'To be honest it wasn't a great performance today. We lacked a bit of pace and intensity in our game. However, we got the result and were able to get everyone available on the field so that was great. We had moments, but overall we didn't quite click and perform the way we know we are capable of."

• On expectations for the team as they prepare for the post season: "Now we must focus on training and preparing for the biggest game of the season. It's very important that we raise our training levels, focus on details and increase our work rate. Having said that, we also have to stay relaxed and continue to enjoy ourselves and create memories. Thats been our plan all year and there's no reason to change it now we are in the post season."

UP NEXT

Millersville awaits the winner of the Mercyhurst vs. Seton Hill game on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The PSAC Championship game is set for Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.