Grantham, Pa. (Nov. 3, 2021) - #1 Messiah University (15-2) edged #4 Alvernia University (9-11) with a fourth quarter goal to take a 1-0 win over the Golden Wolves on Wednesday night in MAC Commonwealth semifinal field hockey action at Messiah. 

Nicole Shank scored the game-winner for the Falcons on a goal off a penalty corner opportunity to break the scoreless tie with just over nine minutes remaining in the game.

Alvernia held its own in the first half with Lexi Boettcher and the Alvernia defense keeping Messiah off the board despite the Falcons outshooting the Golden Wolves 5-0. Boettcher went on to make six saves in the first half to keep it locked at 0-0 going into the break.

Both teams came out of the cold halftime needing time to warm backup into the action. Outside of an Alvernia penalty corner and two Alvernia shots off target, neither team was able to get much going as the game entered the fourth quarter still tied at 0-0. 

Just over five minutes into the fourth quarter, Alvernia was given a green card and Messiah went man-up. The Falcons earned a penalty corner off the card. Alvernia held off the first corner, but the Falcons were granted a second one a few seconds later. This time Messiah was successful with Shank firing in a low and fast shot from the top circle to break the scoreless tie and put the Falcons up 1-0.

Alvernia's closest opportunity to tie came off a Hailey Miller breakaway with just under three minutes remaining. Miller had a one-on-one against Messiah's keeper, but the Falcons were able to keep the shot out of the net to preserve their 1-0 lead.

Alvernia did not get another shot off as Messiah advanced to the MAC Commonwealth Championship game with the 1-0 win.

Boettcher finished an impressive night in net for Alvernia with six saves.

Messiah advances and will take on #3 Widener University and Alvernia will await a potential bid into the ECAC Tournament.