MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Millersville women's soccer team enters the 2025 season determined to return to the PSAC postseason after finishing 5-6-5 and placing sixth in the PSAC East a year ago. With much of their starting lineup back, the Marauders carry plenty of optimism into the fall.

"It is about getting back into the postseason in general," head coach Matt Procopio said. "It's moving into the top five, but we've got to make sure we do the little things to get where we want to be and, that is the postseason. The fact we have not been there is always fueling us. We need to make sure we can take care of what we need to in each game in order to get to the end, and that means being consistent. Ultimately everyone wants to compete, and everyone wants to win. At the end of the day, we want to finish ideally in the top three. But the fuel is that we haven't been there."

Procopio brings back his top two offensive threats in Isabel Coy and Aubrey Strohecker, whose chemistry will be crucial in sparking their production and opening the door for others to make an impact offensively.

"They pair well; they both play different in terms of style, and they both can score," Procopio explained. "They're both very potent, and if we can get them in good situations, to find a chance to score, we are in a good place. They are very good players who compliment each other very well in terms of their nuances and their differences. We will definitely be reliant on them to contribute goals, assists, and to create opportunities for others. But we are also going to need others to join in, and we will have to wait and see who they are.".

The Marauders also welcome back freshman standout Lia Francis alongside Caroline Wood, who returns after a year away from the field. Building chemistry between the two will be key in creating new opportunities as the team works to solidify its pairings. With several roles still up for grabs, the midfield remains wide open heading into the 2025 season.

"It still very much a work in progress in terms of who we are going to look at centrally," said Procopio. "Wood and Francis bring great things and are very technical players. But it is still trying to figure out what is the best pairings or how many players we will have in there. The midfield is very open, and it is an area that we've got to determine the best layout for us."

Junior Melanie Love anchors the defense after leading the team in minutes played last season. With a young core around her, Love's experience and leadership will be vital in guiding the back line.

"Melanie is someone we could always rely on and is a very good defender," Procopio noted. "In her two years, she has led the team in minutes, and a lot trust has been put into her to lead by example. For her, it's working around her surroundings and how she can influence, communicate, and organize the team. She will anchor that group, and then we will see how she adjusts accordingly.".

The goalkeeper position remains unsettled heading into 2025, with the Marauders returning senior Sabrina Zimmerman and junior Emma Moss. Ultimately, command and control of the box may determine who earns the starting nod in the season opener.

"I am looking for them to compete--it's a very key spot,' said Procopio. "It is an open battle like any other position at this point. We are still very much working our way through things, and it is going to take us some time to really figure it out. Emma and Sabrina, as returners, are obviously battling. It is about pushing the group and seeing where we get too. It is a very valuable position, but we need to make sure we are sound all the way around."

Millersville opens the 2025 campaign with a non-conference match at Saint Michael's College on Thursday, September 4th.