Millersville, Pa. - Taking the field for the first since facing off against each other 364 days ago (March 10, 2020) in Lakewood, N.J., Georgian Court University and Millersville University picked up where they left off as the regional foes opened the 2021 campaign Tuesday afternoon, this time on the Marauders' home turf.

Unlike their last meeting, it would be the Lions that would prevail as the royal and gold held off its host, 12-10, in a thrilling opening contest.

With the home team holding a 5-3 advantage with 4:41 left in the first half, GCU proceeded to rip six unanswered tallies to take a 9-5 lead at the 24:22 mark of the second stanza. The two squads would alternate the next six scoring efforts to make it 12-8 Lions (13:08). The Marauders (0-1) accounted for the final two scores at 9:59 and 6:06, but the Georgian Court defense stepped forward to shut out its host the rest of the way to secure the victory.

Riley O'Connor paced the Lions with a team-best four goals in her season debut, three of which were free-position efforts. Sabrina Chandler (four draw controls) and Heather Devaney each provided two goals and a helper in the win while Madison Heck netted a pair of scores and seven draw controls. 

The victors owned a slight 28-26 lead in the shots column with both clubs putting 18 apiece on frame.

Alexis Hahn (1-0)  recorded the win in net for the Lions, compiling eight saves in the complete game.

Georgian Court (1-0) returns to the road for its next outing with a Saturday visit to Kutztown University. Start time is slated for 12:00 p.m.