Millersville, Pa. – For the winningest senior class in Millersville history and head coach Steve Widdowson, the third time really was the charm. Marauder senior Pat Baffuto, who was making his third appearance in the title game, tapped in what was the only goal of the game in the 18th minute, propelling the Marauders to their first PSAC Championship in school history by a score of 1-0.

Prior to Saturday, Millersville had finished runner-up five times including twice under Widdowson (2008 and 2009). And the Marauders won the title in classic Widdowson-fashion, shutting out Bloomsburg with smothering defense, solid goalkeeping and an opportunistic offensive attack.

Millersville (12-6-1) started the championship game like a continuation of the semifinal game in which it dominated California (Pa.) from start to finish. The Marauders fired three of its first four shots on goal early in the game. Bloomsburg's goalkeeper Bernie Roell kept his composure, making saves on all three shots to stave off the Millersville attack.

In the 18th minute, the Marauders earned a free kick 20 yards out when Aaron Roland was fouled driving into the offensive zone. Sophomore Colby Zeger lined up the free kick and sent it far side. Roland, who was lined up to the right of the goal, headed the ball to the center of the box. Baffuto found the loose ball and tapped it past Bloomsburg's Roell to give Millersville a 1-0 advantage.

Millersville continued to put pressure on Bloomsburg (7-9-2) late in the half, outshooting the Huskies 7-1 in the side. Bloomsburg registered its first shot of the game off a corner attempt when a header went high over the crossbar.

The Huskies were unable to contain Millersville defensively, racking up 10 fouls in the first half alone in their attempt to slow down the Marauders. Millersville registered just two fouls in the half.

Bloomsburg picked up its pace in the second half registering seven shots, five on goal in the second half. The Huskies developed a promising scoring chance in the 58th minute. Alex Rufhass came down the left side with the ball an put a shot on goal the was caught by redshirt Brad Benzing to keep the score at 1-0 in favor of Millersville with 32 minutes remaining.

The Marauders didn't let up in the second half either, putting eight more shots towards Roell. Millersville finished the game with a 15-8 shot advantage.

The physical play also picked up in the second session. Both teams finished the side with nine fouls. The most important foul was Bloomsburg's in the 85th minute. The Huskies' Nate Conrad received a red card, eliminating him from the game, for swinging at a Marauder near the Bloomsburg bench.

Millersville controlled the final 15 minutes to earn its first PSAC Championship.

Benzing made five saves to secure is eighth shutout and second-straight of the playoffs. Benzing moves into third all-time in single-season shutouts, three off the record (11) by current assistant coach Matt Langione.

Baffuto, who scored is sixth goal of the season, was honored as the PSAC Championship Most Valuable Player for his game-winning goal.

The senior class, who made their third trip in four years to the championship game, also registered its 58th victory to pass the 2010 senior class for the most wins in program history. The 2011 senior class consists of Roland, Ethan Daubert, Eric Pepper, Baffuto and defensemen John Claffey.

The Marauders, who remained atop the NCAA Atlantic Region poll last Tuesday, will find out their playoff position on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. on the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Selection Show.

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