GRANTHAM, Pa. -  The Arcadia University women's soccer team fell to Messiah College, 3-0, in the MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday afternoon. It was the fifth consecutive year that the Knights and Falcons renewed their rivalry in the championship game.
 
The Falcons struck late in the first half with the game's opening tally. The Knights answered with a strong opening to the second half and earned several scoring opportunities, but couldn't find the equalizer. Messiah then put the Knights away with two late insurance tallies.
 
Women's soccer discovers their fate for the NCAA Tournament on Monday at 1:00 PM on the NCAA Selection Show. The Knights were ranked fourth overall in the most recent regional rankings and 15th overall in the United Soccer Coaches national poll.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Brianna Crowley, who was selected MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of the Year, made a couple key defensive plays to stifle the Falcons attack. Crowley made her biggest play around the 20th minute when she wrestled the ball away from an attacker and drew a foul to neutralize Messiah's breakaway.
 
- Brooke Firestone netted the contest's opening tally with a goal in the 28th minute. Sunny Gelnovatch played the ball to Firestone inside the box, who found the back of the net with a strike to the top right.
 
- The Knights fired six shots in the opening half. Veronica Garcia had the squad's lone shot on goal with a strike from just outside the box, which was caught by the Falcons keeper.
 
- Mackenzie Hoffman led the Knights attack with a couple good runs at the goal early in the second half. Hoffman nearly deflected the keeper's strike into the net after charging a 50/50 ball in the box. Moments later, Hoffman had another good look at the net, but couldn't connect on a header.
 
-  Arcadia had two excellent chances in the 64th minute. Garcia fired the first attempt low at the keeper, while Nyhus was denied on a second-chance rebound after gathering the loose ball.
 
-  Messiah closed out the game with two insurance tallies from Korinne Kovatch in the 77th and 80th minutes, respectively. The first goal was assisted by Megan Mansfield, while Rebecca Ritchie was credited on the second tally.
 
KNIGHT LEADERS
- Shots: Hoffman/Nyhus/Garcia/Gubler 2
- Saves: Williams 5
 
TEAM COMPARISON
- The Knights held a 7-5 lead in corner attempts, while the Falcons held a 17-12 shots advantage.
- Both teams made their offensive runs and had chances in a game that was evenly matched for most the contest.