Grantham, PA – No. 16 Messiah College scores seven second-half goals en route to an 11-6 win over rival Stevenson University in the Commonwealth Championship. Madi Brunk scored three times and was named Most Valuable Player, and the Falcons collected their fifth NCAA Tournament qualification under head coach Heather Greer.
 
Messiah led 4-3 at halftime after both teams battle through a somewhat-sluggish and defensive-minded first 30 minutes. Stevenson's Carli Bafford and Hollie Larrimore tallied back-to-back goals to end the first-half, simultaneously cutting into the Falcons' 4-1 lead and giving a small amount of momentum to the Mustangs.
 
But as the second-half started quickly for Messiah as Marybeth Bindel put through a free-position shot from the center hash after just 41 seconds of play. Less than three minutes later Claire Stikeleather made a great spin to split two defenders near the top of the crease and gave Messiah a 6-3 lead.
 
The Mustangs earned back a tally two minutes later off the stick of Tori Wagner, but Messiah scored five of the game's next six goals to play from the front. Madi Brunk tallied all of her goals over that stretch, including Messiah's final two goals that sealed the victory.
 
Stikeleather, Casey Daggett, and Stephanie Athens all scored twice to back up Brunks's three goals.
 
Six different players tallied for Stevenson, though Messiah's defense proved stifling to Commonwealth Player of the Year Kathryn Merrick and teammate Olive Monteiro; the Mustangs' top two scorers entered the game with a combined 88 goals and 30 assists.
 
As close the game was, the score could have been separated more if not for the play of Stevenson goalie Leanne Bittner. She collected 13 saves in a stalwart effort. Her counterpart for the Falcons, Alexa Dipeso, made four saves, including a highlight grab on a one-on-one shot by Monteiro.
 
In total Messiah outshot Stevenson 31-19, with 24 of their shots going on frame. Messiah also overcame a 12-7 deficit in draw controls by doubling up Stevenson on groundballs, 28-14.
 
Ida Ehrhardt, Daggett, and Molly Devilbiss each collected two caused turnovers, and Brooke Gamble and Becky Ely were two others to lead the Falcons' terrific defensive effort.
 
The Commonwealth crown is the fourth in program history for Messiah and first since 2011. It is the third title under the leadership of Heather Greer, and Messiah will enter the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
 
Fans are encouraged to follow GoMessiah.com for updates on the Falcons' bid and match-up in the NCAAs, which will start next weekend.