Millersville University
1-1, 0-0
Indiana (PA)
0-3, 0-0
Marauders storm back with 11 second half goals to best Crimson Hawks
2/28/2026 3:12:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. --- Despite a four-goal deficit going into halftime, the Marauders exploded for 11 second-half goals in a huge comeback win against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in their home opener Saturday afternoon. Mary Moraca and Brianna Gora combined for eight of the Marauders' 13 goals.
The Marauders found themselves down 5-0 after a host of early green and yellow cards that led to odd-man opportunities for the Crimson Hawks. Brianna Gora broke through first for the Marauders with her second goal of the season to beat the Crimson Hawks' keeper. An immediate response from IUP extended the lead back to five. With 14 seconds remaining in the opening half, Millersville turned to freshman attacker Addison Geary, who scored the second goal of the half. IUP led 6-2 at the halftime break.
When asked about halftime adjustments, Coach Hinkle explained, "We were just trying to attack their weaknesses a little bit more…we wanted to use our speed and quickness to set up our attack, and we knew that was going to work for us." And that it did. The Marauders went on to score three unanswered goals within the first half of the third quarter to cut the Crimson Hawks' lead to one.
In the fourth quarter, it came down to lockdown defense, anchored by goalie KC O'Neill. "Our defense was lock down," Hinkle said, "They were able to force the shots that KC wanted to see, and she just made some big saves, whether that be an eight-meter or just a great on the crease save, we were able to carry our momentum out of the defensive end to get the win."
Despite a late comeback attempt from IUP, the Marauders always responded and outscored the Crimson Hawks 6-3 in the fourth quarter to lift them to a 13-10 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Mary Moraca and Brianna Gora led the way for the Marauders with four goals each. Moraca also had an assist in the contest.
- Other Marauders that found the back of the net were Avery Weaber, Addison Geary, Shannon Meder, Kayleigh Dunn, and Jodylynn Cadden, who all had one goal in the contest.
- The defense, as a collective, caused 16 turnovers, with four from Mary Moraca and three from Shannon Meder.
- The duo of Meder and Moraca also combined for eight draw controls with Meder having five of the eight.
- KC O'Neill ended the game with 11 saves and the win for the Marauders.
- Coach Nicole Hinkle picked up her first win as the Marauders head coach.
The Marauders will travel to West Chester to open PSAC East play this Wednesday, March 4 at 4:00 p.m.
