Annville, PA - The Falcons outlasted Lebanon Valley College this afternoon en route to a 61-53 victory. The win marks the third in a row for the Falcons, their longest winning streak of the season.
 
Sienna Wisse and Jocelyn Chavous led the charge out of the gate for the Falcons, who accounted for 11 of the teams first 15 points. With the score tied 15-15, the Dutchmen went on a quick 9-2 run over the span of just 1:08, giving them a 24-17 lead. The Falcons would respond however, as Kaitlyn Hoff and Hannah Brown both hit three-pointers, followed by layups from Wisse and Hannah Nichols, giving the lead back to the Falcons, 27-26, heading into the half.
 
"We played with a lot of heart and fight to put that together and get a lead at halftime", said head coach Mike Miller.
 
The Falcons picked up right where they left off in the first half, as Gillian Glackin scored six straight points, giving Messiah a 33-27 lead with 16:52 remaining. Lebanon Valley, however refused to go down quietly as they traded baskets with Messiah for much of the second half, and with 6:41 remaining, cut the Falcons' lead to just one.
 
"As the game went back and forth", said head coach Mike Miller, "We were able to take their hits and continue to stay strong and fight through it together."
 
The Falcons showed poise as they opened the lead back up to 10 points late, working themselves into the bonus along the way. Thanks to clutch free throw shooting from Kaitlyn Hoff and Dominique Seamon, the Falcons were able to keep the Dutchmen at bay the rest of the game.
 
Kaitlyn Hoff led the Falcons with 13 points, including 7-9 from the free throw line. Wisse and Glackin played a major role in Messiah outrebounding the Dutchmen by 17, as they pulled in 12 and 10 boards respectively.
 
Bridget Rothert paced Lebanon Valley with 13 points and four assists.  
 
The win moves the Falcons Commonwealth record to 6-3 (10-8 overall). They next take the floor at home against Lycoming College on Jan. 28 at 6:00 p.m.