Grantham, PA – Nikki Elsaesser's booming strike in the 14th minute gave the Falcons all they needed in a 1-0 win over Arcadia University in the MAC Commonwealth Championship. The win pushed Messiah to 18-0-2 and qualified them for their 16th-straight NCAA Tournament.
 
Elsaesser's tally came after Kayla Deckert played direct from the back line all the way to the left corner of the 18-yard line. Elsaesser ran on to the ball and, after slowing down to collect and let a defender run by, she fired from the spot over the reach of keeper Evelyn Feigeles. The goal was her 24th of the season and it proved to be the one score they needed for a 14th conference title in 16 years.
 
The early tally was especially significant considering Arcadia's commitment to a defensive and scrappy presence. The Knights did all they could to frustrate Messiah's attempts to possess, and they even found a few chances to play direct themselves in an effort to tie the game. Nevertheless, the Falcons allowed just four total shots in the game.
 
Messiah, meanwhile, took 19 shots, seven of which went on frame. In the second-half the Falcons came especially close with some balls played behind the Knights' defense, but all six of Feigeles' saves were mostly routine.
 
Audra Larson made three saves, and the Messiah defense came up with the plays they needed to keep Arcadia off the scoreboard. Most of Arcadia's chances came on long free kicks and few balls played over the midfield, but their inability to possess the ball kept them from creating opportune looks.
 
As mentioned, the win for Messiah gave them the conference title for the 14th title in 16 years. Since their first conference tournament appearance in 1998 the Falcons are now 30-3-1 with a 28-1 record at home.
 
Missy Biener was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player thanks to her terrific play at left back. Biener and her teammates held Lebanon Valley and Arcadia to just five shots while collecting two shutouts.
 
Fans are encouraged to follow GoMessiah.com this weekend for links to the NCAA Selection Show that is scheduled for Monday at 1:00 p.m.