Reading, PA – The Falcons traveled to Reading tonight to take on the host Alvernia Crusaders in a battle of two Commonwealth Conference opponents.

Starting with winning the opening tip, things just seemed to go the Falcons way. Hannah Nichols would open up the scoring for Messiah with a quick layup, followed by a three-pointer and long jumper from Dominique Seamon. The hot start continued for the Falcons on defense as well, as they came up with two blocks and a steal in the early going. Messiah held the Crusaders to just 3-14 shooting through the first 11:05, allowing Messiah to go on a 27-8 run to open the game.  
 
"We had a really good start by everyone", said head coach Mike Miller, "We came out in the first half and the girls played and shot well."
 
Dominique Seamon and Gillian Glackin were huge contributors for the Falcons in that first-half, as they accounted for 22 of the Messiah's first 31 points.
 
Alvernia came out of the half-time break and cranked up the defensive intensity, playing much tighter defense and momentarily knocking the Falcons out of their offensive rhythm. The Crusaders would in fact cut the Falcons early 20 point lead to just 11 with 3:53 remaining in the game. 
 
"Alvernia made some changes at halftime, causing us to take a few minutes to get going, but we fought through and responded to their runs", said coach Miller.
 
Jen Fairbanks was a reliable option all night for the Falcons as she scored a career high and game high 17 points, while going 8-13 from the field.  Gillian Glackin picked up her ninth double-double on the season, scoring 15 points and pulling in 11 rebounds. Dominique Seamon continued her hot shooting from beyond the arc, going 3-5 from downtown and chipping in 13 points of her own.
 
The Falcons had four players score 10 or more points on the night; Jen Fairbanks (17 pts.), Gillian Glackin (15 pts.), Dominique Seamon (13 pts.), Hannah Nichols (10pts.).
 
The win moves Messiah to 12-9 overall and 8-4 in the conference. They next play Commonwealth leader Stevenson University at home on Feb. 7 at 3:00 p.m.