Monday, April 27
Indiana, PA
2:00 PM
Millersville University
at
Indiana (PA)
Photo by: Bailey Smith
PREVIEW: Marauders set for PSAC Tournament first round at IUP
4/26/2026 10:41:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Women's Tennis Faces #1 West Indiana (Pa.)
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - After a thrilling 5-2 victory over the Shippensburg University Raiders last Wednesday, the Millersville University women's tennis team secured the fourth and final spot in the PSAC Women's Tennis Tournament. The Marauders will now travel to Indiana (Pa.) to face the top-seeded Crimson Hawks from the West division on Monday, April 27.
For all tournament information, seeded teams, and schedule, please click here.
The Marauders face a tough test in the quarterfinal round, taking on the Crimson Hawks, who enter the match-up with a 17-6 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in conference play. Indiana (Pa.) is also riding a 14-match win streak, with its last loss coming against the University of Findlay back in March. Millersville closed out the regular season with a 6-9 overall record and a 2-3 mark in conference play, earning key wins over East division opponents Shippensburg and Kutztown.
"For a year where we started 3 freshmen and a transfer, with only 2 returning starters, we should be happy that we're back in the playoffs again," said head coach Matt Helsel. "It's been an up and down season and I know we had higher goals and expectations but, that said, I'm very proud of how this team has continued on its journey."
The Marauders lineup has remained fairly consistent throughout the season, with only minor adjustments in doubles play. Juniors Lauren Hayes, Luci Consigliere, and Annika Rojas provide veteran leadership, while freshmen Marian Hayes, Mia Gassert, and Duda Coutinho Barreto add youthful energy and depth to the lineup. In doubles play, the Hayes sisters have found their groove, going 8-2 over their last ten matches. The newer pairings of Gassert and Rojas, along with Consigliere and Barreto, have also proven to be competitive duos. In singles play, M. Hayes has been the driving force for the Marauders, posting an impressive 9-1 record over her last ten matches.
"Lauren is a strong No. 1 player and Marian has had a fantastic debut season," said Helsel. "As Mia's experience catches up with her talent, she's going to be a player to watch going forward. Luci has an unmatched drive and work ethic. She didn't have the season she wanted and is capable of, but I believe in her and her ability to overcome obstacles. She'll be fine. Annika is the dream transfer. Someone who comes in, is appreciative of the opportunity, works to integrate herself into the team and then on top of all that, plays some really good tennis. She's quietly had a very nice season and her and Mia are starting to put it together as a doubles team. Duda has a bright future. She has all the tools to be a great player, and I know the experience she gained this year will allow her to raise her level moving forward."
"IUP is a tough assignment for a young team on the road, but again it's an important step in that journey. We didn't play an easy schedule at all, so playing a tough team won't faze us since we play tough teams all the time. IUP is very used to this stage, though, and they have lots of success to show for it, so they're a particularly difficult draw for sure. We'll need to bring a higher gear if we expect to take a run at IUP." said Helsel. "Our program is in a great place and I can't wait to see what this team is capable of in the coming seasons."
The Marauders face the Crimson Hawks on April 27th at 2:00 PM.
For all tournament information, seeded teams, and schedule, please click here.
The Marauders face a tough test in the quarterfinal round, taking on the Crimson Hawks, who enter the match-up with a 17-6 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in conference play. Indiana (Pa.) is also riding a 14-match win streak, with its last loss coming against the University of Findlay back in March. Millersville closed out the regular season with a 6-9 overall record and a 2-3 mark in conference play, earning key wins over East division opponents Shippensburg and Kutztown.
"For a year where we started 3 freshmen and a transfer, with only 2 returning starters, we should be happy that we're back in the playoffs again," said head coach Matt Helsel. "It's been an up and down season and I know we had higher goals and expectations but, that said, I'm very proud of how this team has continued on its journey."
The Marauders lineup has remained fairly consistent throughout the season, with only minor adjustments in doubles play. Juniors Lauren Hayes, Luci Consigliere, and Annika Rojas provide veteran leadership, while freshmen Marian Hayes, Mia Gassert, and Duda Coutinho Barreto add youthful energy and depth to the lineup. In doubles play, the Hayes sisters have found their groove, going 8-2 over their last ten matches. The newer pairings of Gassert and Rojas, along with Consigliere and Barreto, have also proven to be competitive duos. In singles play, M. Hayes has been the driving force for the Marauders, posting an impressive 9-1 record over her last ten matches.
"Lauren is a strong No. 1 player and Marian has had a fantastic debut season," said Helsel. "As Mia's experience catches up with her talent, she's going to be a player to watch going forward. Luci has an unmatched drive and work ethic. She didn't have the season she wanted and is capable of, but I believe in her and her ability to overcome obstacles. She'll be fine. Annika is the dream transfer. Someone who comes in, is appreciative of the opportunity, works to integrate herself into the team and then on top of all that, plays some really good tennis. She's quietly had a very nice season and her and Mia are starting to put it together as a doubles team. Duda has a bright future. She has all the tools to be a great player, and I know the experience she gained this year will allow her to raise her level moving forward."
"IUP is a tough assignment for a young team on the road, but again it's an important step in that journey. We didn't play an easy schedule at all, so playing a tough team won't faze us since we play tough teams all the time. IUP is very used to this stage, though, and they have lots of success to show for it, so they're a particularly difficult draw for sure. We'll need to bring a higher gear if we expect to take a run at IUP." said Helsel. "Our program is in a great place and I can't wait to see what this team is capable of in the coming seasons."
The Marauders face the Crimson Hawks on April 27th at 2:00 PM.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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