XML Box Score Langhorne, PA - The Cairn University Highlanders forced a fourth game on their home court today but ultimately fell to the Falcons 3-1 (25-21, 25-14, 15-25, 26-24). Messiah was able to recover after a game three, ten point loss but only just, winning game four by two.
Game one was marked by close action with neither team gaining a large lead until the end. An impressive run for
Kristen Douglas came in game one when her attacking was responsible for points 11-14 scored by Messiah. Douglas finished with 13 kills and leads the team with 49 on the season.
The Falcons took control in game two, winning handily 25-13.
Jane Underman led the team in kills in this game and for the match, with 14.
Alyssa Vorbeck also had a solid match in attacking, collecting nine kills on 19 attempts.
The Highlanders were able to capitalize on a lineup change by the Falcons in game three. Messiah has done the same in all three of their previous matches, but Cairn proved to be ready for it. An 11-2 run was the difference-maker as Cairn would go on to win 25-15.
Game four was most similar to the first with both teams battling for points. Ultimately the last three points of the match went to the Falcons and the last two were attacking errors by the Highlanders.
Liz MacNeil led the defensive effort in this match with 11 digs, followed by Douglas with 10.
Jessica Geib finished the match with 45 assists, her highest number of the season. With that mark, Geib surpasses the milestone of 3,000 assists in her career. Messiah was also able to double up Cairn in total blocks 12-6.
The win for the Falcons snaps the Highlanders three-game winning streak and undefeated record (3-1) while improving the Falcons' own undefeated record to 4-0. Messiah will next face tough, conference opponent Lebanon Valley College at home on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
