OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Messiah women's volleyball team dropped a 3-1 (25-17, 25-18, 23-25, 25-17) decision against the Stevenson Mustangs on Wednesday night in Owings Mills. The Falcons jumped out to an early 8-3 lead in the opening set, but the Mustangs responded with a massive run and took the set 25-17.
 
After falling into a 2-0 hole after the Mustangs won the second set 25-18, Messiah claimed the third set by a slim, 25-23 margin. Despite taking back the momentum in the fourth set, Messiah was unable to force a fifth set, falling 25-17 in the fourth.
 
Lanae Hunsberger and Natalie Marsch each finished with double-digit kills with 15 and 12, respectively. Marsch also picked up 11 digs for a double-double. Kristen Seibert dished out 38 assists while picking up 19 digs to join Marsch with a double-double.  
 
With the setback, Messiah falls to 8-3 overall and 1-1 in the MAC Commonwealth. The Falcons will be back in action this weekend in the Neumann Tournament, taking on Catholic on Friday at 6:00 p.m. before squaring off against Rosemont (12:00 p.m.) and host Neumann (2:00 p.m.).
 
Falcons Fall Behind Early
Messiah jumped out to an early 8-3 lead in set one thanks to kills from Mary Underman, Kristen Seibert, Natalie Marsch, and Lanae Hunsberger during the run. Stevenson began to claw their way back into the set, using a pair of Simone Gest kills to take an 11-10 lead. The Mustangs stretched their lead out to 19-13 before Messiah got to within four at 19-15 after a kill each from Marsch and Hunsberger, but Stevenson was able to hold on in the game and win 25-17.

Messiah fell behind 23-10 in set two, before using three service aces to go on an 8-1 run and get to within six at 24-18. The Falcons were not able to complete the comeback, falling in set two 25-18.

Falcons Fight Through Adversity
Messiah fought back from an early 8-4 deficit in set three, forcing a Stevenson timeout after taking a 13-10 lead. Natalie Marsch recorded a trio of kills during the run, finishing with 12 kills in the match. The Falcons stretched their lead to 21-15 before Stevenson began to wiggle their way back into the game. The Mustangs went on a 4-0 run to cut the lead to two, but Messiah was able to preserve their lead and win set three 25-23.

Messiah Falls Short
Stevenson worked their way out to an 18-8 lead in set four before Messiah began to battle their way back into the game. The Falcons used three Hunsberger kills to go on a 9-3 run and cut the Stevenson lead down to just four at 21-17. It was not enough as the Mustangs won the fourth set 25-17 and took the match 3-1.

What's Up Next?
Messiah gets back on the court this weekend when they travel to the Neumann Tournament. They play Catholic University Friday night at 6:00 p.m., before playing Rosemont College at 12:00 p.m. and host Neumann University at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.