Grantham, PA – No. 2 Messiah College scored less than a minute in and added two goals late to win 3-0 over No. 15 Nazareth College in the Sectional Semifinals. Marisa Weaver tallied twice for the Falcons, who advanced to Sunday's Sectional Final against No. 1 Lynchburg.
 
Weaver scored on the Falcons' first chance, sending home a short assist from Nikki Elsaesser. Elsaesser had turned the corner and got to the left end line before slotting back to the middle of the box for the clear strike.
 
"Obviously, it was great to get settled in quickly and score an early goal," Messiah head coach Scotty Frey said. "(Weaver) made a great run to that ball and made a great play."
 
Now with a quick lead, Messiah continued to create opportunities while limiting Nazareth's chances. The Falcons collected eight shots to the Golden Flyers' zero in the first half, and outcornered them 5-1.
 
"We did a really good job of controlling the ball, and keeping the ball at our feet," Frey said. "And our backs were great today. They did give (Nazareth) really much of anything."
 
The Falcons held territory again as the second-half started, and they collected another 13 shots before the game was over.
 
In the 61st minute Elsaesser helped the Falcons build their lead when she crossed to the far post for Holly Burgard. Keeper Allison Doubles made a terrific play on Burgard's quick shot, deflecting the offering off the crossbar. But Doubles couldn't grab it cleanly as the ball fell, and Burgard ran through it for the Falcons' second goal.
 
Twenty minutes later the Falcons put the game away with another goal from Weaver. Elsaesser nearly came close to the tally herself, but her shot went wide of the right post and toward the corner. It was played back around by Messiah, with Marisa DeMonte slotting Weaver from 20 yards out in the midfield. Weaver got behind the Golden Flyers' defense for the clean look on net and the score.
 
The two goals for Weaver gave her 17 for the season, while Burgard's tally was her eighth.
 
Nazareth fell to 15-4-4 with the loss, while Messiah moved to 22-0-2.
 
As mentioned, the Falcons will next play on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. against Lynchburg.