GRANTHAM, Pa. – The Falcons opened up conference play at Hood College coming out on top with a commanding 3-0 (27-25, 25-6, 26-24) victory. Messiah is now 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
 
How It Happened
Senior Braedyn Gallagher found herself all over the court as she collected 10 kills, three service aces, two blocks, and eight digs to help the Falcons defeat the Blazers. Mary Underman (9 kills) and Kate Preudhomme (7 kills) each aided on the attack for Messiah as well. Sophomore Amanda Dahlman proved to be strong for the Falcons' once again as she collected 22 digs and five service aces. Through the three sets, Katie Wilcox and Heston Cowoski each tallied double-digit assists with 21 and 10 respectively. Wilcox also dished out three service aces and eight digs. Freshmen setter Sarah Taylor also chimed in with four assists of her own against the Blazers. Payton Manwaring (4 blocks) and Lanae Hunsberger (3 blocks) led the team with blocks to help the Falcons' stay on top. 
 
In the first set, the Falcons and Blazers fought all the way to the end, each team collecting 12 kills but Hood tallied 11 errors while Messiah only had five. This set was the longest one for the Falcons' as it took 27 points to secure the win. 
 
The Falcons' dominated the second set, only recording two errors while laying down 13 kills. Messiah's aggressive serving and strong defense gave them a commanding advantage over the Blazers, allowing just six points in the set, their lowest allowed all season. 
 
The third set proved to be a battle once again as it took Messiah 26 points to finish the sweep. Hood made a strong push, collecting 10 kills and a .296 hitting percentage.
 
Quotes From Coach
"It was great to get our first conference win on the road. We have some work to do in our technical areas but the heart and fight the ladies are displaying on the court and on the bench is evident," said head coach Holly Motheral.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will return to Jordan Court in Grantham, Pa. on Sept. 8 when they host Cabrini University and Houghton College for a tri-match.