Strong defense holds off Warriors after early Aughenbaugh goal

Saturday, November 7

East Stroudsburg, PA

1:00 PM

Millersville University

(5-12, 2-7)

East Stroudsburg

(14-4, 6-3)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Millersville	1	0	0	0	1
East Stroudsburg	0	0	0	0	0

11/7/2026 4:30:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: Katie Mocarsky, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. - Millersville started off hot, scoring the lone goal of the afternoon just minutes into the game and then defended their net as they finish out the season with a 1-0 win over No. 3 East Stroudsburg.

Millersville wasted little time making its presence felt, as Bree Aughenbaugh found the back of the cage just two and a half minutes into the game. Megan Alvarez assisted on the goal, giving the Marauders an early 1-0 advantage that they would hold for the remainder of the afternoon. The early strike was only part of the story, however, as Millersville's defensive performance proved to be the difference against one of the PSAC's top teams. The Marauders limited East Stroudsburg to just four shots on goal despite facing 14 total shots throughout the contest.

The Warriors did not register a shot in the opening quarter, a testament to Millersville's defensive preparation and execution. Head coach Shelly Behrens emphasized the importance of that opening stretch, particularly against an East Stroudsburg team playing on its home field. "I think their mentality was how they prepared it to be. ESU is a very good team, and especially at home! So to keep them from having a shot in the first quarter was huge," said Behrens.

Millersville continued to withstand the pressure as the game progressed, particularly in the second half. East Stroudsburg generated 10 shots over the final two quarters and earned seven penalty corners in the fourth quarter alone, but the Marauders refused to surrender the equalizer.

Grace Williams played a major role in preserving the shutout, finishing with four saves, including three in the fourth quarter. Making her second career start, Williams came up with several important stops as the Warriors attempted to find an opening. "This was Grace's second start and she was great! She came up big when we needed her, and same with our corner defense. The kids just fought hard and dug in! But Grace was great for sure!" Behrens said.

The defensive effort was a collective accomplishment, with the Marauders consistently disrupting East Stroudsburg's opportunities and protecting their one-goal advantage. Millersville held the Warriors scoreless on all 11 penalty corners while Williams and the defensive unit delivered when the pressure was at its highest. For a Marauders team that has navigated an unconventional season filled with injuries and positional adjustments, Saturday's performance represented another example of its resilience. Despite the challenges, Millersville continued to compete and finished with a statement victory against a formidable conference opponent.

Behrens credited her team's perseverance and commitment to one another throughout the season, expressing pride in the way the players continued to step up despite the circumstances. "I think we have had an atypical season. Lots of injuries to manage and moving our kids around positionally to cover and do what needed done. So through the highs and lows they stayed resilient and strong! The coaches are all beyond proud of them for their work rate and belief in each other," Behrens said. "Our record may not reflect the potential we have or [our] character, but these ladies are built for success in my book! I could not be more proud of them!"

The 1-0 victory gives Millersville a significant result to build on, as the Marauders demonstrated the defensive discipline, determination and belief that Behrens has seen from the group throughout the season.