Frederick, MD - The Falcons snapped their three game losing streak and ended the regular season on a high note Saturday afternoon, beating Hood College by a score of 63-56.
Messiah continued their run of sluggish starts, however as they had two turnovers on their first two possessions and hit just 2-9 field goals almost seven minutes into the game. However, Hannah Nichols would get the Falcons going with a string of close range baskets, giving Messiah the early 11-9 lead. The Falcons extended their lead to 26-18 with just under three minutes to play in the half and looked to be pulling away, until the Blazers responded with back-to-back three pointers, cutting Messiah's lead to just a two point advantage at 26-24. The two teams would head into the half-time break deadlocked at 28 a piece.
The second-half was much of the same for the Falcons and Blazers as both teams continued to swap baskets. However, Hood would force some key Messiah turnovers and mid-way through the second half the Blazers were on top by a 40-38 advantage. Jen Fairbanks would respond for the Falcons, as she did most of the night, finishing with a game high 18 points.
Some clutch rebounding by Dominique Seamon late in the game put Messiah in a favorable position as the Blazers would have no choice but to start fouling to try to keep things close. The Falcons would eventually fend off Hood and hold on to earn their ninth conference victory. The win could not have come at a better time either for the Falcons as they head into the Commonwealth Playoffs starting Wednesday, Feb. 25.
"It was a big win that got us in the position we needed," said head coach Mike Miller. "It was an extremely hard fought and physical game and Im excited about getting to play at Albright."
As previously mentioned, Jen Fairbanks led all scorers with 18 points along with Gillian Glackin picking up another double-double as she finished with a game high 16 rebounds and chipped in 12 points as well.
The win will push Messiah's regular season total to 13, marking the 21st consecutive winning season for head coach Mike Miller, dating back to the 1994-1995 season. The Falcons will next play in the Commonwealth Playoffs beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 25 when they travel to Albright.