The Marauders have worked hard to get where they are this season. They currently hold top spot in the PSAC Eastern Division rankings. “We put our own pressure on ourselves everyday at practice,” said coach Mary Fleig. Their hard work has been paying off.

Yet, Jan. 27, they suffered a frustrating loss. They met the Cheyney Wolves without the home-court advantage, but with a better record.

The Lady Marauders entered the game with a seven-game winning streak, while their opponent was 2-2 for the season.

The Marauders could only manage 17 points in the first half, and were forced to watch as the Wolves pulled ahead by 17 points.

After halftime, the Marauders came back on to the court determined to make up for the dismal first half. An awesome effort in the game’s final 20 minutes brought the team 41 points, but it was not enough. The women’s undefeated title was denied by the 67-58 loss to Cheyney University.

The loss was Millersville’s first to Cheyney in 38 straight games. Cheyney was the first team to score 57 or more points off the Marauders since Indiana University of Pennsylvania managed the feat on Jan. 3, where they came up with 67 points. However, the Marauders refuse to let the game negatively impact their season. “We learned so much playing on the road at Cheyney. That loss has inspired us for the rest of the entire season,” Fleig said.

Despite losing, three Marauders had big days. Mashira Newman, Raquel Green, and Aiesha Bellamy all racked up points in the double digits. Newman came up with 16 points, Green took 14, and Bellamy managed 10.

There was no time to dwell on the loss, however, as the team was scheduled to face Mansfield University on Jan. 30.

The Millersville women were eager to display their prowess on the court, and with the lead scoring defense in the league, the Marauders made quick work of the Mansfield Mountaineers.

The Lady Marauders, again without the home-court advantage, were driven to win. The team started off strong, and kept the game scoreless for about three minutes before Ashley Moyer scored the game’s first basket. In the beginning of the first, the Mountaineers were plagued by turnovers, and the Marauders found it easy to add points.

Leaving the court at the end of the first half, Millersville had proven themselves more than worthy of their ranking, leaving the Mountaineers to try and make up for a 23-point deficit. The score was 42-19. Green accounted for 14 of the team’s 42 points.

In the second half, Green, Jenna Craig, and Newman helped add to the Marauders total. The Mountaineers came back out on court with a good scoring offense, but could not touch the Lady Marauder’s lead. The team beat Mansfield 59-40.

Newman, a freshman, has been having an incredible season. She currently leads the division in steals along with Brooque Williams of IUP, a senior. Out of Millersville’s total of 16 steals, Newman was responsible for four. She now has a season total of 70, bringing her within one steal of Safiyyah Bashir’s record which has been untouched since 1998.

Even with the earlier loss to Cheyney, the team remains ahead in the rankings. They are currently first in the PSAC Eastern Division overall. Their closest competitor, Kutztown University, is 4-2 in conference games this season. When the two teams met earlier this season, Millersville defeated Kutztown 61-42.

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Shehan has completely revamped the team in his short time as the head coach. In his first year, in 2008, he was able to finish with a record of 24-26, in the previous year the team finished with a record of 9-37.

In 2009, the Marauders continued to improve and finished with a record of 25-24, bringing the team to their first winning record since 2001.

“Our goal and team philosophy is to focus on the process and meet our potential as a team. If we focus on ourselves, we should win more than we lose,” Shehan said.

The Marauders were without senior center fielder Corey Phelan in 2009 due to a knee injury, however, his injury is healed and he is ready to get back to form.

In 2008 Phelan had a batting average of .429 when facing left-handed pitchers.

Phelan also received the Gold Glove award for his outstanding performance in the field.

“Injuries should be less of an issue this year because we will have quality players starting off the year on the bench. To be consistent, you have to have depth. Everyone will contribute eventually,” Shehan said. He also said that the team has no injuries thus far in their preparation for the season.

Another key player returning to the roster this season is junior Derek Kline.

Kline was drafted in round 34 of the MLB draft in June, but decided to return to the team adding to the already impressive list of returning players.

Kline led the team in numerous offensive categories in 2009, among them was his .393 batting average. Kline also became a star on the mound, even though he never pitched prior to the 2009 season.

In addition to the extensive list of returning players, Shehan is also keeping his eye on the position at third base.

The position is still up for grabs between freshmen Zach Stone and Jeff Heisey as well as senior Kent Geges who started 16 games in right field last season.

Another strength the team has on their side this season is the talent in the middle of the field. As previously mentioned Phelan is returning to center field, junior Ryan McCormick will be at short stop, and senior Miles Gallagher will be behind the plate at catcher.

“Having leaders in the middle should significantly bring up the play of those around them. Good teams are always strong in the middle,” Shehan said.

Despite having the most experience and depth in the roster in recent years, the team will have their hands full with a challenging schedule.

“Our conference and non-conference schedules are tough. Our goals are not to only win on Friday and Saturday but to also win mid-week. This team has a lot of confidence. They believe that their potential to play deep into the post season is good. In order to play in mid May, you have to win your mid week games too,” Shehan said.

The team will begin their 2010 season on the road with games in Georgia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Their first home game is on Friday March 12 against nationally ranked West Chester, who won the PSAC Championship last season.

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