Mike Eshleman
Sports Writer
Millersville field hockey’s seniors had a very good showing on Saturday in what was their final regular season game at home. Seniors Katelyn Zapp, Champayne Hess and Alicia Youtz all played a part in the scoring for Millersville as they picked up a 2-0 win over Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Katelyn Zapp scored her 14th goal of the season about 30 minutes into the game and Millersville did not look back after this. She then added an assist on a goal from Champayne Hess which was scored in minute 67. It truly was a game where the seniors on the field hockey team were given a chance to shine, given it was their final regular season game at home.
Millersville did start out a little slowly and IUP actually earned the game’s first shot in minute 21 and had another just a minute later that was saved by goalkeeper Lauren Sotzin. After the minute 24 the Marauders really started to catch fire offensively. The Marauders were able to control the final 35 minutes and did not let IUP get another shot the rest of the game.
Millersville led in total shots by a margin of 20-2 and they also led 16-1 in penalty corners.
For the Marauders, this win clinches the second seed in the PSAC and will allow the team to get some rest instead of playing in the quarterfinals. The field hockey team has been impressive all season long and has stuck in every game, including the two that they have lost. The Marauders field hockey team is definitely gearing up for a deep playoff run, and Coach Shelly Behrens is doing everything she can to get the ladies ready for the playoffs. In the end, though, she says that she and the team will view it as just another game.
“We have been in must win games several times this season and prior,” said Behrens. “We prepare on us and what we need to do to execute our game plan. We will sharpen up on the things we need to and keep a high energy in our structure. So truly is just another game, but it is not…there is a different energy in the playoffs and it is palpable and exciting!”
Coach Behrens has done an excellent job of resurrecting the women’s field hockey team since she arrived as coach. She is a two-time PSAC Coach of the Year and definitely has the Marauders on the right track heading into the playoffs.
Millersville finishes the regular season with a 16-2 record and a 12-2 record in PSAC play and will be in the PSAC semifinals on Friday, Nov. 14 at West Chester University against an opponent to be determined later.
