Box Score West Chester, Pa. – One goal. That's all that it takes to win. The Millersville Marauders defeated Shippensburg, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, in the PSAC Semifinals Friday on a goal by Katelyn Zap only three minutes into the game.

Millersville (14-6) kept the pressure on the nation's No. 1 team by outshooting the Red Raiders 11-2 and taking five more corners than Shippensburg. Zap's goal at the 2:52 mark was the fastest Marauders' score all season. Ashley Weber assisted Zap's tally, and keeper Lauren Satin record her program record 10^th save in a two-save effort. One of three saves came on a penalty shot save with only five minutes to play.

“This team continues to play fearless,” commented head coach Shelley Behrens. “We approach every game the same and this was no different. It was a total team effort, and I am so proud of our girls and for Millersville field hockey.”

Shippensburg (17-2) only totaled two shots in the game and stayed in the game from the play of goalkeeper Ciarra Delost, who recorded seven saves. The shutout marks the first time the Red Raiders hadn't scored since last season's national championship loss to West Chester. The loss also ends a 10 game-winning streak for Shippensburg.

The Marauders got on the board early when senior Ashley Weber received a pass in transition and took the ball down the right sideline. As Weber dribbled past a Red Raider defender she played a center pass from the baseline. Her pass found a wide open Katelyn Zap 10 yards in front of the goal cage. Zap's blast slid right past Delost and into the back of the net giving Millersville a 1-0 advantage. With her score, Zap took the team lead in goals with six goals on the season.

“It was just like practice, as soon as I saw the shot that I had I knew I needed to do my job and put it in the back of the cage,” commented Zap. “It felt so good to beat Shippensburg and advance to the PSAC Championship game.”

Shippensburg had a two penalty corners in the middle of the first half but Satin and the defense was able to thwart each attempt by the Red Raiders.
Millersville also had more opportunities to score before the end of the half. The best chance came on a center pass by Samantha Ruane. Ruane's pass went through a crowded circle and to Champayne Hess' stick on the backside. The ball took a rough bounced and Hess' attempt to hit the ball out of the air just missed.

With Millersville leading 1-0 at half the Marauders had to feel confident as they led 4-2 in shots and 6-2 in corners. Captain Maria Thompson had one message to her team at halftime; “We don't stop here, we keep attacking and try to get one more.”

The Marauders did just that, and Thompson and her defensive unit did not allow a single shot to the Red Raiders in the second half. Shippensburg did control possession in the final frame but most of that came in the middle of the field.

As soon as the buzzer rang the team rushed the field and celebrated reaching its first PSAC Championship game since 1986 and only its second win over Shippensburg since 1999.

“This win is very special for our program and I am so happy for all of our hard work to payoff in a way that everyone else can see how good this team is,” Behrens added. “As great as this win is we have to turn right around and prepare for an even bigger game tomorrow.”

The Marauders face West Chester tomorrow, Oct 27 at 5 p.m. at Vonnie Gros Field in West Chester.

For full coverage of the 2012 PSAC Field Hockey Tournament click here.