GANNON, Pa. - After a thrilling double-overtime victory over Bloomsburg, Millersville is headed back to the PSAC Championship.
The Marauders dictated the pace early in the match, recording three shots on goal in the first 10 minutes. Millersville continued to apply pressure, and it finally paid off in the 12th minute as Zander Leik connected with Matias Schmidt for the first goal of the game.
Bloomsburg responded quickly, earning a penalty kick 10 minutes later following a Millersville foul inside the box. Gavin Massimi guessed the right direction but narrowly missed the save as the ball found the back of the net.
With the match tied, the physicality increased as fouls accumulated on both sides. Juan Ortiz Escobar had a chance to put the Marauders back in front with 15 minutes remaining in the half, but his shot drifted just left of the net. Bloomsburg generated a late opportunity through a corner kick but failed to capitalize, sending the teams into halftime tied 1–1.
The Huskies opened the second half aggressively, firing multiple shots at Massimi, including one on goal that he saved. Millersville then created its own opportunity on the other end as Schmidt and Leik connected again—this time with Leik scoring to give the Marauders a 2–1 lead.
Less than a minute later, Brian O'Neill placed a shot on goal that nearly extended Millersville's advantage. His attempt resulted in a corner kick, but the Marauders were unable to convert.
With three minutes remaining, Bloomsburg made a late push, driving the ball into the box and scoring the equalizer. Millersville attempted to respond with a shot from Mason Quinton, but it did not fall. The match remained tied 2–2 heading into overtime.
In the first overtime period, both teams pushed for the winning goal. Louis Wright recorded Millersville's only shot on goal, which was saved, while Bloomsburg registered four attempts, none on target. With no goals scored, the match moved into a second overtime.
The Huskies produced the first shot on goal of the period, but Massimi handled it cleanly. Millersville countered with two shot attempts that did not break through. The breakthrough finally came when Haven Thomas initiated a sequence of passes to O'Neill, then to Wright, who found Leik for the game-winning goal—sending Millersville back to the PSAC Championship.
Millersville will face No. 14 Gannon on the Golden Knights' home turf, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Leik knocked in two goals including the game winner
- Schmidt had a goal and one assist
- Massimi had three saves
THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH STEVE WIDDOWSON
- In such a tight, back-and-forth matchup with a trip to the PSAC Championship on the line, what do you think ultimately seperated you team from Bloomsburg today? "It was certainly a stressful and challenging game but I think ultimately it was out winning mentality and belief in each other that got us over the line. We could have easily collapsed when we gave up the late equalizer, but as we have done so many times this year, instead we rolled up our sleeves and went back to work."
- You saw a lot from your group tonight -- what areas do you feel need the most attention as you prepare for Sunday's match? "Without doubt it's about getting recovery and freshness. The players put in a massive workload tonight so we need to freshen those players up and look for other players to potentially get into the mix more Sunday."
- Zander really rose to the moment with two goals, including the game-winner. Can you talk about his leadership and what allows him to deliver in these high-pressure games? "Zander is a difference maker and a true go to guy. I was dissapointed he didn't earn the conference MVP award but I think he showed what value he brings to this team and his ability to step up in big moments. He will also be the first one to point out that he cannon do it without his teammates and while he got the recognition tonight, it really was a 25 man effort that got us over the line."
