California, Pa. – Senior Eric Pepper scored just before the end of the first half to give Millersville a 1-0 lead over No. 9 California (Pa.). The Marauders held on to their one goal lead to blank the Vulcans and move into first place in the PSAC standings on Saturday.

Millersville (9-4-1, 6-1-0 PSAC) was held to just four shots in the first half, two of which came off the foot of Pepper. In the 38th minute, Pepper’s second shot was just what the Marauders needed. The Vulcans’ defense turned the ball over as Pepper intercepted the pass, collected it off his chest and sent in a shot from 20 yards out to put Millersville on top, 1-0.

California (Pa.) (10-2-4, 5-2-1 PSAC) evened the shots at four in the first half. Millersville’s goalkeeper Brad Benzing stonewalled the Vulcans with three saves to keep the game at 1-0 in favor of the Marauders heading into the beak.

The second half was just as even as the first half with both teams getting seven shots in the side. California’s goalkeeper Charlie Dagnal kept his team in the game with three important saves to keep the game 1-0.

The Vulcans were unable to find an equalizer as Benzing made four more saves in the second session to secure Millersville’s sixth conference win and his fifth shutout of the season.

The Marauders, who beat No. 13 Mercyhurst a week ago, have now knocked off the Atlantic Region No. 1 and No. 2. Millersville, who is No. 3 in the Atlantic Region, has two conference games remaining against Lock Haven (Oct. 27) and West Chester (Oct. 29). The Marauders can lock up first place in the PSAC with a win over the Lock Haven.

Millersville returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 25 when it travels to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on Holy Family. The Marauders and Tigers are set to kick off at 3:30 p.m.