Grantham, Pa. (Jan. 26, 2019) - Alvernia University (3-17, 0-11) was held to single digits in three quarters as the Golden Wolves fell to Messiah College (19-1, 11-0), 54-36, in MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action on Saturday at Messiah.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with Alvernia holding a 1-0 advantage through the opening six minutes of action

Alecia Rohrer hit a layup with 4:14 remaining in the first quarter to get the Falcons on the board. Messiah built its lead up to 6-1 with 2:43 left in the first quarter
until Alvernia scored its first field goal of the game, a layup by Gabriella DeVito, to make it 6-3 in favor of the Falcons.

The Falcons looked to hold a 9-4 advantage heading into the second quarter, but Maya Cooper hit a buzzer beater from half court as time expired in the first to make it 9-7 going into the second quarter.

The Golden Wolves were held to just six points, four of which were free throws, in the second quarter as the Falcons took a 26-13 lead into the half.

Alvernia came out of the half quick and cut Messiah's lead to six, 29-23, on a layup by Cooper with 5:53 left in the third quarter. But, the Falcons went on an 11-4
run to close out the third quarter and take a 40-27 lead into the final ten minutes.

The Falcons would continue to build up its lead in the fourth quarter and take the 54-36 win.

Alvernia was just 13-42 from the floor and the Falcons forced 20 turnovers by the Golden Wolves.

DeVito led Alvernia in scoring with 11 points and added five rebounds. Erin Malin finished the night with eight rebounds and two blocks.

Maci Thornton led Messiah with 17 points as the Falcons won their 19th straight.


The Golden Wolves continue their conference schedule on Wednesday with a home contest against Lycoming.

Messiah 54 Alvernia 36