Box Score
By Cody Swartz, GoMessiah.com reporter
Chester, PA — Don't look now, but the Messiah field hockey team may be finding its collective rhythm.
The third-ranked Falcons posted their third consecutive shutout Tuesday afternoon, a 4-0 shellacking of Widener University at Edith R. Dixon Field. It was the sixth consecutive win for the Falcons over the Pride, dating back to the 2007 season.
“We played really well today,” said Jan Trapp, Messiah head coach. “It was definitely one of the better offensive games I have seen, not just with scoring, but with overall technique.”
Sophomore Juliana Hershey took matters into her own hands early and often, scoring the first two goals of the game in a span of less than three minutes. Hershey, whose scores at the 13:50 and 16:38 marks, propelled her into a tie for the team lead in goals with five on the season.
“Juliana was right where she needed to be on those goals,” Trapp said. “She understands her role in the offense and she took advantage of her opportunities well.”
Hershey's first goal came courtesy of an assist by senior Kourtney Ehly, an All-American last year, while the second one was shot off the side after a pass from sophomore Kelly Martin.
“Kourtney also had a great game today,” Trapp said. “She was on the ball so many times. She came back when she needed to, she played defense and she passed really well.”
Freshman Brooke Sands added to the Falcons' lead with a goal of her own at the 20:59 mark. Sands, who is tied with Hershey for the team lead in goals, took a pass from senior Amber (Philpot) Good and shot it in to the back of the cage for a 3-0 lead before the intermission.
Things got no better for Widener (5-2, 0-1) after the halftime break, as junior Dara Downs scored the first goal of her collegiate career at the 48:31 mark to cap the 4-0 Falcons' win. Downs took a pass from Ehly on the left side and shot it across to the right side, hitting the back of the net.
“Offensively, I thought the forwards worked really hard today,” Trapp said. “I thought they executed well when they had the chance.”
Not to be overshadowed was the defense, which posted its third straight shutout and sixth in nine games this season. In goal, freshman Kayleigh Stewart played 70 minutes of scoreless ball, recording four saves.
“We were playing without two of our starters on defense,” Trapp said. “For the girls to play as well as they did was impressive. I think we have a lot of depth out there. The talent is deep and it helps us out. To have lots of players who can play multiple positions is always helpful. We were playing the subs for the subs and they still played great.”
The Falcons, who began a three-game week Tuesday, did so with its second conference win in as many games. Next up for Messiah is a highly anticipated home contest against 11th-ranked The College of New Jersey, a game that is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Anderson Field.
