GLENSIDE, Pa. - The Arcadia University women's field hockey team was unable to keep visiting Messiah in check Saturday afternoon in the Knights' MAC Commonwealth home-opener, falling to the Falcons, 3-1. Messiah struck for the game's first goal in the second quarter before padding its lead with two in the third to take control of the conference matchup. 

Mickie March scored the Knights' lone goal late in the fourth quarter, her third of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
-Neither side was able to dominate possession in the early going as the Knights and Falcons battled in the midfield. Messiah had its first opportunity on goal eight minutes into the opening quarter when the Falcons drove the ball down the right side and into the box, but Grace Fenner made a terrific kick save to keep the game scoreless.

-Messiah opened the scoring at the halfway point of the second quarter when a shot on goal was deflected by Fenner and found a Falcon right in front of the net at the far post who then put it away to take a one-goal lead into halftime.

-The Falcons added to their lead in the third quarter with a pair of goals - one of which came via a penalty stroke - pitting the Knights in a three-goal deficit heading into the fourth period.

-March broke up the shutout in the final seconds of regulation when an errant shot deflected to the sophomore in front of the cage and beat the goalie with a quick shot to the lower left corner.

KNIGHT LEADERS
-Goals: March (3)
-Points: March 2 (7)
-Saves: Fenner 3, Evans 2

TEAM COMPARISON
-Messiah held a 17-6 shot advantage on the afternoon, including an 11-3 edge in shots on goal.
-The Falcons were awarded ten penalty corners opposite the Knights' four.

UP NEXT
Arcadia (3-8, 0-2 MAC Commonwealth) hosts Keystone Wednesday at 7 p.m. from Jean Lenox West Field.