Reading, Pa. (Oct. 29, 2014) - #1 Messiah College (17-0-1, 6-0-1) took its offense up a notch in the second half to overcome a one goal deficit and secure a 4-1 victory over Alvernia University (5-14, 1-6) in Commonwealth Conference action Wednesday evening on Alvernia's Turf Field.

The Crusaders played solid defense in the first half, holding the Falcons scoreless through 45-minutes of play that mostly took part on Alvernia's half of the field. Alvernia made the most of its limited chances on offense however, taking the 1-0 advantage six minutes into the half. Bailey Stover put the Crusaders on the board off a through ball, beating her defender and netting a high shot just inside the left post over the head of Messiah goalie Audra Larson.

The Falcons hit their stride in the second half, collecting four unanswered goals.

"We played our hearts out," said head coach Bill Bonewitz. "The first 45 minutes were fantastic."

Alvernia's goal is just the fourth goal given up by Messiah this season, who is also ranked first in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Stover's tally also marks the first goal that the Crusaders have scored against Messiah historically.

The Crusaders will conclude their season on Saturday, hosting Hood College for Senior Day at 1:30 pm.