MILLERSVILLE, Pa. —  Millersville topped Jefferson in the draw control battle 15–5, and this swayed the balance of the game, helping Millersville edge the Rams 10-6 Wednesday at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium.

Mary Moraca won possession 10 times, and her first of the game was the 100th of her career. The Marauders got to work early and scored three goals in the first quarter. Moraca led off followed by two goals scored by Kaleigh Funk. Jefferson responded with two goals to keep the game within reach. 

The Rams scored the first two goals in the second quarter to take their first and only lead. The Marauders blanked the Rams for the remainder of the quarter and scored two goals. Jodylynn Cadden drove the lane to score the equalizer while Ashlyn Simonetti took advantage of a man-up scenario and put the Marauders up 5–4 before halftime.

"I thought we came out ready to go," said head coach Mike Faith. "The weather was really bad but they played through it. Their goalie had a couple of saves early that gave her some confidence that carried through the game. We didn't take them lightly at all and I thought our defense and Casey played lights out to hold them to the two goals in the second half was huge."

The Marauders locked down the Rams in the second half. Millersville held Jefferson to two goals and forced 13 turnovers in the half. Katlyn Krebs and Hailey Jordan led the second half defensive surge. The two caused five turnovers and collected seven ground balls.

"Caitlin, along with Casey, she's our rock back there," said Faith. "It's a great unit and they've changed the way that they play and their mindset back there. They have more pride and that's all on them. The defense doesn't want to get beat, and they're there for their teammates. Our team and individual defense has been the biggest improvement since I got here."

KC O'Neill took ownership of the crease and recorded a season-high 10 saves, six in the second half, and a career-best of six goals against. O'Neill's quick clearances are what set Millersville up for offensive success.

The quick coast-to-coast transitions helped Millersville outscore Jefferson 5–2 in the second half. Funk scored or assisted in four of five goals in the second half. The senior notched a season-high in goals (4) and assists (3) for seven points.

"Kaleigh is not a captain, but she is a leader out there," Faith mentioned. "She gets beat up a lot out there, but she runs through it and can go through contact. She's having a great year and she's stepped up."

Millersville is 4–0 in non-conference play and will host Bloomsburg on Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. for their first PSAC East contest. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Millersville out shot Jefferson 37–20.
• The Marauders continue to be successful on clears as they went 23–26.
• Millersville won 75% of the draw control.