GRANTHAM, Pa. - The Messiah women's basketball team put on a dominate showing against the Hood Blazers on Wednesday night, claiming a 95-43 victory to improve to 5-1 in the conference. Leah Springer led the way for the Falcons with 22 points, while Jayneisha Davis (17), Megan Zimmerman (15), and Eleana Eckley (11) all contributed double-figures. Messiah built a healthy 31-8 lead at the end of the opening quarter before taking a 55-20 advantage into halftime. The Falcons continued to roll, earning the 95-43 victory.

This was the first game since the 2016-17 season that the Falcons have scored 90 points or more. The last time was on Dec. 3, 2016 against Washington and Lee, in which Messiah defeated the Generals 92-59.
 
All Gas No Brakes
Messiah put the first points on the board with a layup from Jayneisha Davis on the first possession of the game. After the Blazers responded with a jumper, Messiah took the lead for good with an and-one layup by Leah Springer just 1:25 into the game.
 
Springer's layup started a 29-6 run to end the quarter and give Messiah a 31-8 lead heading into the second period. During the opening quarter, both Springer and Davis went for double-digits, combining for 21 total points. As a team, the Falcons went 11-16 from the floor while forcing eight turnovers in the first 10 minutes of the game.
 
The Falcons continued to grow their lead in the second quarter, building it to as many as 37 with just over three minutes to play before the half at 52-15. Hood ended the half on a quick 5-3 run, but Messiah held a 55-20 lead at the end of the opening half.
 
During the first 20 minutes, Messiah forced 12 turnovers while committing just five. Davis led the way at the break with 17 points while Springer and Megan Zimmerman both had double-digits with 15 and 10 points respectively.
 
No Let Up
After the break, Messiah continued to balloon their lead thanks to an 18-11 effort in the third quarter. During the period, the squads traded baskets early. However, Messiah pieced together a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 42 points (73-31) going into the final quarter. 

The Falcons continued to soar in the fourth, outscoring the Blazers 22-12 to claim the 95-43 victory. Every Messiah player dressed in uniform got to see floor time in the win over Hood, and 25 points came from bench players.

In The Box
This was the best shooting performance Messiah has displayed all season, going 34-of-57 (59.6%) from the field. The Falcons also shot an impressive 58.8% from the floor (10-of-17) with Eleana Eckley and Jayneisha Davis each scoring three. Messiah also out-rebounded the Blazers 41-29 with Leah Springer grabbing 8 and Grace Cryan snatching 7. This is the most points scored (95), field goals made (34), and total assists (24) that the Falcons have posted all season. They will look to continue this team effort on Saturday. 

Next Up
The Falcons will be back in action on Saturday when they host the Albright Lions at 5:00 p.m. on Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena