Grantham, PA - The Falcons claimed their first home victory Thursday afternoon in a come-from-behind slugfest.

After falling behind Susquehanna University 7-2 after only two innings, the Falcons clawed their way back eventually winning by a final of 15-10. Intense thunderstorms moved into the area immediately following the conclusion of game one, inevitably canceling the second game of the doubleheader.

The Falcons' starter Claressa Mees was throwing the heat early, but the Crusaders were right on it. Mees gave up two homeruns in the first inning and was tagged for three more hits before handing the ball over to classmate Courtney Allen in the second. Facing only 12 batters, Mees gave up seven runs on six hits. On the other hand, Allen's speed changes and blistering riseball kept the Crusaders on their toes. Through the remainder of the game, Allen gave up three runs on six hits and struckout three. In only her fourth appearance, Allen picked up the win and moves to 2-0.

Finding themselves with an oppressive deficit, the Falcons entered the second focused on chipping away at their seven-run disadvantage. Becky Notte (single), Amanda Jones (hit by pitch), and Katie Tankred (single) quickly loaded the bases, giving the Falcons numerous opportunities to score. Unfortunately, the next two batters failed to deliver a run. With two outs, though, Nicole Blantz walked to give the Falcons their first run. In the next at-bat, Carrie Fix singled through the left side bringing to score to 7-2.

The Falcons tacked on another run in the bottom of the third, but it was in the fourth and fifth innings that they blew things wide open.

Messiah fought all the way back in the fourth and eventually took the lead 8-7. It all started with a walk from Emily Quatrale and an opportune error that put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat Fix drilled the ball to left center, plating Quatrale; which forced Susquehanna to make a pitching change. Jamie Fesinstine replaced Morgan Lewis in the pitching circle, which proved to be quite adventageous for the Falcons.

With runners on second and third and no outs, Brooke Pompeo laid down a picture perfect bunt, setting up a classic squeeze play. Nicole Blantz was off on the pitch and slid past the tag for the score. In the next at-bat Allen singled to center, knocking in Fix. Notte followed with a slow roller to second, which allowed Pompeo to score and tie it up 7-7. With Allen on third, Jones hit a dribbler that landed just a foot in front of the plate, a sure out, but Allen was super aggressive on third and crossed the plate before the Crusaders could make any type of play. As a result, both Allen and Jones were safe on the play. When all was said and done, the Falcons had removed their deficit to claim the 8-7 lead.

The Crusaders responded with force in the top of the fifth when Leigh Ann Greenwald jacked a two-run homerun to reestablish Susquehanna's lead at 9-8.

Fortunately for the Falcons, they hadn't forgotten Fesinstine's number.

In the bottom of the fifth, Messiah posted five more runs on five hits. Shannon Denny started things off with a pinch-hit single then was followed by a walk from Blantz. After Fix flied out, Pompeo singled and the bases were suddenly loaded once again. In the next at-bat, Allen knocked in both the equalizer and the go-ahead runs on her stroke to left center; her fourth double of the season. Notte and Jones each picked up one RBI before the scoring blitz and the inning concluded. When the dust settled, the Falcons had pulled ahead 13-9.

The Crusaders brought in an additional run in the top of the sixth, but it wasn't enough.

Carrie Fix sealed the victory for the Falcons in the bottom of the frame with her first collegiate homerun, a two-run homerun at that. Fix drove the ball well over the centerfield fence in what hopes to be the first of many dingers from the freshman.

On the day, Fix led the Falcons with 4 RBI. She was 3-5 with two runs scored. Allen had a banner day at the plate as well, going 3-5 with three runs scored. Pompeo and Tankred also amassed three hits, while driving in one run a piece.

The Falcons' next double header will take place on Saturday when they travel to Glenside, Pa. to take on Arcadia University. Game one is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.