The Marauders celebrate after Jacob Burke scored his second goal of the game. KATELYN AUTY / SNAPPER
Katelyn Auty
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Associate Sports Editor
Millersville’s D2 Ice Hockey team secured their first win of the season Friday night, defeating West Chester 4-3 in a thrilling overtime matchup. The Marauders donned pink uniforms in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month as they faced off against the Golden Rams.
From the start, it was clear this would be a tight contest. Both teams played a scoreless first period, neither being able to break through the goalies’ sharp reflexes. Tensions ran high as both teams fought to put one on the board, with frustrations finally boiling over as the teams engaged in a fight with just one second left in the period. The scuffle resulted in two minor penalties and one major penalty for Millersville, while West Chester received three minor penalties.
The Golden Rams started the second period strong, scoring two early goals. Millersville’s captain, Jacob Burke, answered shortly after with a goal assisted by Jonny Morgan and Andrew Dzurko, cutting the lead in half.
It was easy to see that this was a rivalry game as, again, it was an aggressive period. While Millersville received two minor penalties throughout the second, West Chester was hit with four minor penalties, one major penalty, and a misconduct penalty that sidelined a player for 10 minutes.
The atmosphere grew heated as Millersville fought to overcome West Chester’s 2-1 lead. The Golden Rams opened the third period with a goal, but Burke responded just 14 seconds later. Millersville’s Cole McCulley tied the game a minute and a half later with a goal assisted by Joe Pedicone.
With the score locked at 3-3, Millersville held the Golden Rams off for the final 10 minutes of the period, forcing the game into overtime.
The overtime period opened up with three-on-three action, and just 23 seconds in, McCulley found the back of the net, sealing Millersville’s first win of the year.
“We really wanted it more this game compared to our past few and it just showed out there,” McCulley shared.
Despite West Chester outshooting Millersville 52-45 overall, goalie Dylan Schroeder was a standout, stopping 49 of the 52 shots he faced.
The Marauders faced Seton Hall Saturday night, where they defeated them 5-2. Their next game will be at the University of Delaware on Oct. 11 at 6:15 p.m.
“I love winning with this team,” shared Schroeder. “It’s the best. And we’re going to keep on doing it.”