GRANTHAM, Pa. – The No. 13 TCNJ Field Hockey team was defeated by No. 5 Messiah, 5-0, on the road Saturday afternoon.

The Lions (3-2) couldn't overcome a relentless Falcons (5-0) offense that knocked in four first-half scores to pull away from the match early. A bright spot saw the TCNJ backline tie the single game defensive saves teams record set in 2016, as the defense combined to record four in today's game.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Falcons struck first with a goal just 7:22 into the match before tacking on a last second score to close out the first quarter.
• The Lions best scoring chance of the first half came in the 17th minute when a Carly Cole penalty corner set up Rayhanah Ahmed for the shot attempt, however the shot was rejected by Falcons goalie Catie Brubaker.
• Messiah quickly tacked on a pair of scores in the 18th and 20th minutes of the game to pull ahead 4-0 into halftime.
• In the third quarter, the Falcons scored their fifth goal of the game midway into the period on a penalty corner.
• TCNJ once again attempted to break through the shutout 9:40 into the third period on a penalty corner attempt, however the shot attempt from Ahmed was halted by Messiah's goalie Eva Hancock.

STANDOUT LIONS

• Sophomore Emma Jordan showed out defensively after finishing with a trio of defensive saves. That mark ties the TCNJ single game school record set by Lexi Smith in 2016 and Sophie Popp last season. Coincidentally, Popp's three defensive save game also came against Messiah.
• Also recording the first defensive save of her career was sophomore Emily Dvorsky, who shut down a potential Falcons score late in the second quarter.
• Coming in relief at goal, Sophomore Brigitte Racey finished her day with a career-high nine saves.
• Junior Bella DiNardo finished with her lone shot being on goal

UP NEXT
The Lions return home on Wednesday to host No. 20 Ursinus for another nationally ranked matchup. The start time is scheduled for 4 P.M.