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Grantham, Pa. (Nov. 5, 2011) - Top-seeded Messiah College (14-3) scored three goals in the first nine minutes on its way to a 7-1 win over #3 Alvernia University (13-7) Saturday afternoon earning its 18th field hockey conference championship at Messiah.

Tournament MVP Emily Hursh opened the scoring with a goal on a corner play two minutes into the game and Juliana Hershey made it 2-0 30 seconds later. Brooke Sands' tally in the ninth minute put the Falcons up 3-0.

Alvernia sophomore Leah Baer (Mohrsville, Pa./Schuylkill Valley) scored on a corner play for the Crusaders off and assist from Sam Landis (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run) in the 24th minute to cut the gap to 3-1.  The guest Crusaders, playing in their first Commonwealth Final since joining the league two years ago, earned a corner with under five minutes left in the opening half looking to cut the gap further, but Messiah keeper Molly Gebrosky denied the high shot from Lauren Guido (Fleetwood, Pa./Fleetwood).

The game went to halftime with Messiah holding the 3-1 advantage.  Messiah held an 8-4 advantage in shot at the midway point and Alvernia keeper Erin Wunsch (West Lawn, Pa./Wilson) had recorded three saves.

Messiah tallied its fourth goal four minutes into the second half then got two from Hursh in a 64-second span with 15 minutes to go.

The Falcons earn the Commonweatlh's automatic qualifier into the NCAA Championships and will await opponent and location for their first round game.  Alvernia will await its further postseason fate to be determined on Monday.

#1 Messiah 7, #3 Alvernia 1