Intensity is the best way to describe tonight's matchup, which was evident throughout the first half as the Marauders and Golden Rams went head-to-head. West Chester had the upper hand early in the match, but that did not faze the Millersville defense. Senior Olivia Stone and junior Melanie Love played with full effort for 90 minutes, keeping guard against the Golden Ram offense and their reigning PSAC East Player of the Year Faith Matter.

Millersville's offense did not find rhythm until the 20th minute when Nikki Tonello put a shot on goal that was saved by the West Chester goalkeeper. The Golden Rams continued to hound the Marauders, putting multiple shot attempts on goal, but senior Sabrina Zimmerman was there to stop all five. The score remained 0-0 going into halftime.

The second half brought all the excitement, as the Marauders struck just two minutes in. Following a throw-in, Melanie Love delivered a ball from midfield to Ella Briggs, who headed in her first collegiate goal.

West Chester increased its pressure after falling behind by one goal, firing multiple shots on target, but Zimmerman responded with several saves. The game intensified further as multiple fouls were called on both sides. The Golden Rams eventually broke through when Matter found Kianna Barber, who slipped a shot between Zimmerman's legs to tie the score.

The Marauders attempted to respond in the following minutes with shots from Caroline Wood and Sara Edwards, but neither was successful. With under 10 minutes remaining, Aubrey Strohecker received the ball off a throw-in and attacked the West Chester defense. Strohecker found an opening and placed a shot into the top right corner to clinch the game.

West Chester attempted to answer with two late shots, but Zimmerman was there to make the final saves. Millersville returns to action this Saturday, traveling to Shippensburg to take on the Raiders at 2 p.m.

• Brooks scores her first collegiate goal
• Strohecker scores the clinching goal to make it her fourth on the season
• Zimmerman earns her first win on the season with 10 saves

• Can you speak on the defense and their strong performance throughout the night to hold off the reigning PSAC East Player of the year? "We defended well tonight. They dealt with faith who is a great player. Love and Stone dealt with her the most and did a tremendous job. Everyone else chipped in to help out as well."
• Could you speak on Love's find to Briggs for the first goal? " Love played the perfect ball in the box to Ella. It was a great finish from Ella as well. Great goal all around.
• Lastly, could you speak on Strohecker clutching up for the game clynching goal? "Aubrey is a great player, so dangerous when she gets on the ball and can run at defenders. She's always looking to score, so she got a look and scored an outstanding goal."