LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - On Wednesday afternoon, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) released the men's soccer preseason polls for the Eastern and Western Divisions. Bloomsburg was placed first in the Eastern Division and Mercyhurst and Gannon found themselves tied at the top of the Western Division. Millersville came in at No. 3 in the Eastern Division, just behind West Chester.  
 
The 2023-24 season is scheduled to begin on Sept. 3 when the Marauders travel to Ashland for a non-conference match, followed by two non-conference matches versus Holy Family and Seton Hill. The Marauders head to Shippensburg to face off against Shippensburg in their first PSAC East matchup of the season on Sept. 13.  
 
Millersville head coach Steve Widdowson is returning for his 17^th season with the Marauders, alongside assistant coaches Danny DiPrima and Lyle Howe. The Marauders did not qualify for the postseason in 2022 despite a 10-3-5 overall record. That followed three consecutive PSAC Championships in 2018, 2019, and 2021.  
 
Among the team returnees is 2022 East Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All American, Aaron Maynard. Maynard has played a key role on the defensive line for the Marauders over the last two seasons. The center back helped the Marauders reach their lowest goals-against average (.83) since the 2015 season. In his 2022 campaign, he totaled a team-high of 1,620 minutes and recorded four goals, which tied him for second on the team.
 
The Marauders are also returning midfielder, Bob Hennessey. The redshirt senior was an All-PSAC East First Team selection at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. Hennessey's 50 shots, three goals, and three assists was a large piece of the Marauder offense. Alongside Hennessey, forward Zander Leik will be returning for the Marauders. The sophomore, forward totaled 5 goals and 3 assists during his freshman season, as well as a pair of game-winning goals.


MEN'S SOCCER 
East Division (# of 1st place votes) 
1. Bloomsburg (4)
2. West Chester (3)
3. Millersville
4. East Stroudsburg
5. Lock Haven
6. Shippensburg
7. Shepherd

West Division
T-1. Mercyhurst (3)
T-1. Gannon (3)
3. Seton Hill
4. Slippery Rock
5. California
6. Pitt-Johnstown