Grantham, Pa. (May 1, 2025) - #4 Alvernia University dropped its MAC Commonwealth Championship opener to the top-seeded Falcons of Messiah University, 12-1, on Thursday afternoon at Messiah.

Alvernia stranded two runners in the top of the first and did not allow a hit by the Falcons in the home half of the first. But, Messiah broke the game open in the bottom of the second, scoring seven runs on seven hits to take a 7-0 lead.

Alvernia got one run back in the top of the third with Alexia Fitzgerald doubling to with one out and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Brooke Hauck. But, Messiah scored five more in the bottom of the third to take a 12-1 lead.

The Falcons held Alvernia hitless in the fourth and fifth for the 12-1 win.

Alexia Fitzgerald led Alvernia's offense, accounting for two of the three total hits for the Golden Wolves in the game. Ashlyn Hillanbrand led Alvernia in the circle, pitching the final two innings of the game. Hillanbrand struckout two and allowed one run.

Alvernia will take on #3 Hood College at 2:00 PM on Friday  in the first elimination game of the MAC Commonwealth Championship. The winner of that matchup will play again at 4:00 PM.