MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Goals from juniors Britney Pearson (Nashua, N.H./Bishop Guertin HS) and Katie Thies (Liverpool, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse HS) weren't enough as the Bentley University field hockey team dropped a 3-2 decision to Millersville University in a match-up of preseason nationally-ranked teams Friday night at Biemesderfer Stadium.

Millersville, ranked seventh in Division II preseason, controlled play most of the night but the Falcons stayed within reach. Shots favored the home team, 16-4, and penalty corners were 17-3 Marauders.

Pearson scored her first career goal off a penalty corner in the 13^th minute. She inputted and redirected a shot from sophomore Lida Coco (Litchfield, Conn./Canterbury School) into the cage.

After Millersville went up 3-1 early in the third quarter, Thies made it a one-goal game a minute-and-a-half later.

Jessica Spencer, who was coaching her 250^th game, singled out several players for their play postgame. "Coco was an offensive spark.  Abigail Hewes (Denmark, Maine/Fryeburg Academy) made several key plays in the midfield. Emily Crowell (Oakland, Maine/Messalonkskee HS) began the attack from the left back position and Amy Pasquale (Dix Hills, N.Y./Commack HS) played very well in the circle on defense."

Sophomore Mia Trottie (Cinnaminson, N.J./Bishop Guertin HS) made eight saves for Bentley.

The Falcons return to action Sunday with a noon start at No. 2 West Chester.