GRANTHAM, Pa. - The No. 1 Messiah women's soccer team earned their second-straight shutout to open the 2019 NCAA Tournament with a 4-0 victory over the previously undefeated Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets. The Second Round victory advances Messiah to next weekend's Sweet 16 match against the winner of this afternoon's Trinity (Texas) and Hardin-Simmons Second Round match.

Messiah got on the board in the 16th minute off the foot of Maddie Kohl before Megan Mansfield doubled the lead just four minutes later by beating the keeper in a one-on-one opportunity. Rebecca Ritchie scored her third goal in the last two days with a tally in the 32nd minute, giving Messiah a 3-0 halftime lead.

After the break Messiah added a goal from Ellie Lengacher in the 52nd minute off an assist from Maddie Kohl to lift the Falcons to the 4-0 shutout victory.

Messiah advances to their 19th Sweet 16 in the last two decades and will play Trinity (Texas) or Hardin-Simmons on Saturday, Nov. 23 at a time and location to be determined.

A Pair of Quick Tallies
Right from the opening whistle, Messiah controlled the pace of Sunday afternoon's game. The Falcons registered only one shot in the first 15 minutes, but held possession and had the more quality of looks during the opening stretch. In the 16th minute, Messiah broke through with Maddie Kohl finding the back of the net. On a cross from Shelby Burger from the left side, Kohl ran onto the delivery and hit the one-time into the right side of the net for the 1-0 Messiah lead.

Messiah sat on the 1-0 lead for just over three minutes when Ellie Lengacher sprang Megan Mansfield loose down the middle of the field. In the 20th minute, Lengacher sent a long ball over the top for Mansfield. Jetting past the Yellow Jackets' defense, Mansfield went one-on-one with the Randolph-Macon keeper, beating her to the right for the 2-0 Messiah lead. The tally was Mansfield's third goal of the weekend after the senior was held scoreless in her first eight games played this season.

One More Before the Half
With some breathing room, the Falcons expanded their lead in the 32nd minute when Mackenzie Swartley slotted a pass to Rebecca Ritchie on the right-side of the box. Ritchie took care of the rest, beating the keeper with her strike. Ritchie's third goal of the NCAA Tournament built Messiah's lead to 3-0, heading into halftime.

During the first 45 minutes, Messiah held an 11-4 advantage in total shots, putting seven on frame against two for the Yellow Jackets.

Moving On
After the break, Messiah continued to control the pace and tempo of the game. Messiah recorded six shots in the second half, while allowing the Yellow Jackets to attempt just two. The Falcons added some insurance in the 52nd minute when Ellie Lengacher received a cross from Maddie Kohl on the right-side of the box. Lengacher touched to her left to create some space and ripped a shot past the keeper for a 4-0 Messiah lead.

Messiah held the clean sheet for the final 38 minutes of the match, connecting passes and holding possession for long stretches of the half. The Falcons cruised to the 4-0 final, advancing past the opening weekend of play for the 16th-straight season.

What's Up Next
With the victory, Messiah advances to the Sweet 16 for the 19th time in the last 20 seasons. The Falcons will take on the winner of the Hardin-Simmons and Trinity (Texas) Second Round match, taking place on Sunday afternoon. The time and location of Messiah's Sectional Semifinal game will be determined in the coming days.