GRANTHAM, PA. – On Friday evening, the Messiah women's volleyball team falls to Cortland 3-1 (25-21, 11-25, 17-25, 19-25) to begin the Messiah Invitational. After a strong start in set one, the Falcons lost control of the match losing the next three to the Red Dragons. Makenzie Adams led the team with nine kills, while Cassidy Dell added eight kills, 14 assists, and 18 digs. Messiah will look to bounce back tomorrow in day two of the Messiah Invitational. 
 
Up Next: The Falcons will be back in action bright and early Saturday Sept. 21st against Gettysburg College at 11:00a.m.
 
Set One:
The Falcons got off to a slow start as the Red Dragons grabbed an early 3-1 lead. However, following a Cassidy Dell kill the Falcons went on an 5-1 run to take an 7-4 advantage. Cortland continued to put points on the board as the set went one, but the Falcons were ready and had a response for every Red Dragon point. Heading into the midway point the Falcons found themselves tied 9-9. However, an 4-0 run sparked the Falcons offense and presumed to dominate the remainder of the set. Despite Cortland finding some small runs, Messiah would close out the set with an 5-1 run with kills from Sarah Hart and Makenzie Adams to win the set 25-21.
 
Set Two:
To begin the second set, both teams traded points early on as the Falcons trailed 7-6. Julia Bowen, Adams, and Chayney Barnhart all would contribute early. However, the Red Dragons woke up offensively, Cortland would rally to score the next six points to take an 13-6 lead. From that point on it would be all Cortland. Despite attempts to rally, the Falcons offense could not mustard up enough points to eliminate the deficit. The Red Dragons would go on to win the set 25-11.
 
Set Three:
The third set proved to be a little more challenging for the Falcons. Cortland's momentum rolled over in the third set, as the Red Dragons opened the set scoring 11 of the first 14 points. From that point on, the Falcons were unable to respond the way that would have liked. Messiah had attempted a late push, with help from Hannah Thomas serves. However, it would not be enough as the Red Dragons would grab the third set 25-17.
 
Set Four:
Messiah would again find themselves trailing through the early portion of the set. The Red Dragons offense continued its onslaught scoring five of the first seven points to grab an early 5-2 lead. The Falcons could not get anything going as they watched the Red Dragons extend their lead to 10-2. Following a couple Messiah points, Cortland would again distance themselves with another run, extending their lead to 16-5. Messiah managed to rally and score five straight forcing a Cortland timeout. But the Red Dragons responded, scoring five of the next six, holding on to an 20-13 lead. Boller, Quesenberry, and Adams put more points on the board for the Falcons, but ultimately would come up short, losing the set 25-19.
 
What's Up Next:
The Falcons will host Gettysburg College Saturday, Sept. 21st at 11:00AM to begin day two of the Messiah Invitational.