with Phil Naegely, GoMessiah.com reporter

Grantham, PA - No. 6 College of New Jersey scored three unanswerd goals in the second-half to come from behind and defeat No. 13 Messiah College 4-3. Lexi Smith scored the game-winner for the Lions off a penalty corner in the 58th minute.
 
TCNJ controlled the game early and earned six penalty corners in the first ten minutes of the game. At the 7:55 mark on their fourth penalty corner attempt Lexi Smith put the Lions up 1-0.
 
After Carly Day preserved the one goal deficit with a big save, Messiah quickly advanced down the field and found the equalizer. Carissa Gehman raced down on the left side of the field, dribbled into the circle, and sent the ball into the back of the cage.
 
Both teams traded scoring chances as the first half winded down, and Messiah capitalized. With under a minute before the half Gehman secured Lindsay Bower's pass from the top of the circle and connected solidly on the shot putting Messiah up 2-1.
 
Out of the break Messiah doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. At the 37:12 mark, Moriah Pfautz attacked down the left side and fired a booming shot that took of the goalie's glove and soared into the cage.
 
Unfortunately, Messiah's two goal lead was short-lived.
 
Just 1:04 after Pfautz's goal, TCNJ earned a penalty corner. Smith sent a strong shot into the cage giving life to the Lions' attack. The visitors pushed for the equalizer after Smith's goal.
 
Day saved Lindsey Hatch's shot attempt at the 48:25 mark before Alicia Wagner put home the equalizer seconds later. The offensive-heavy game continued on as Messiah looked to take back the lead earning two penalty corners within in a minute.
 
Off the first opportunity, Gehman was denied the hat-trick as her shot hit the left post. Nicole Wilkerson's shot was blocked on the second penalty corner a moment later.
 
After Messiah could not find a go-ahead goal, the Lions pushed to take the lead themselves. Smith's shot was blocked and Day denied Jaclyn Douglas' chance off the penalty corner opportunity.
 
Gehman found another breakaway opportunity but her chance was blocked. On the ensuing counterattack, Smith found her second goal of the game off another corner at the 57:51 mark.
 
TCNJ looked to extend their lead with two penalty corners in the 61st minute but Messiah's defense strongly fended off both.
 
Messiah had a final chance to find an equalizer with a two on one advantage offensively. However, Gehman's shot went wide.
 
With the 4-3 loss, the Falcons fall to 4-3 while the Lions improve to 7-0 on the season. Messiah travels to Franklin & Marshall on Wednesday, Sept. 24 for a 7:00 p.m. game.