Reading, Pa. (Feb. 21, 2026) - Following a closely contested contest, Messiah University (21-4, 13-1) pulled away in the fourth quarter to take a 53-44 win over Alvernia University (13-12, 8-6) in the regular season finale of MAC Commonwealth women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at Alvernia's Jack McCloskey Court.

Alvernia led through the first quarter before Messiah tied it up at the half. The Falcons held a slight 33-31 lead going into the fourth quarter before Messiah used a 9-2 through the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter to pull away for the 53-44 win.

The Golden Wolves had the #3 seed in the MAC Commonwealth postseason locked up entering today's game. They will head to #2 Widener on Wednesday for the MAC Commonwealth semifinal. Messiah, who had the #1 seed claimed entering today, will host #4 York College.

Alvernia honored senior Jordyn Ingelido, Meghan Ruth, and Taryn Woodson prior to today's game. 

How it Happened

• Taryn Woodson put Alvernia on the board with an opening possession layup, and the Golden Wolves built their lead up to 6-0 following a pair of made free throws and another layup from Woodson. Alvernia's defense held Messiah to just one point through six minutes of action as Alvernia held a 6-1 lead.
• The Falcons dropped down a layup with four minutes to play in the quarter to cut Alvernia's lead in half, 6-3. A jumper by Meghan Ruth then ended a nearly five minute long scoring drought by Alvernia with 2:11 to play to give Alvernia back a five point lead, 8-3. A quick five points from the Falcons evened the game at 8-8. Alvernia took back the lead on a Jordyin Ingelido layup off a steal, and, after Messiah tied it at 10-10, a layup from Woodson gave Alvernia the 12-10 lead going into the second quarter. Woodson accounted for eight of Alvernia's 12 points in the first quarter. 
• Messiah tied the game at 12-12 off an Alvernia turnover 26 seconds into the second and took a 15-12 lead on a 3-pointer two minutes into the quarter. A Woodson jumper brought Alvernia back within one, 15-14. But, a quick four points by the Falcons gave them a 19-14 lead at the midpoint of the quarter. 
• Messiah continued to hold a five point lead with 3:46 to go in the half until a Jordyn Ingelido jumper sparked an 8-3 run for Alvernia to close out the half and tie the game at 24-24 going into the break.
• Alvernia broke the tie with a Woodson free throw to open the quarter and, after Messiah retook the lead, a Samantha Wade layup brought Alvernia back within one, 28-27, with seven minutes to play in the quarter. After a scoreless stretch for both sides, the Golden Wolves and Falcons exchanged layups before another scoring drought ensued. With a minute to play in the quarter, Alvernia retook the lead, 31-30, on a layup from Kyla Reed. But, the Falcons answered with a 3-pointer to take a 33-31 lead into the final frame.
• Messiah opened the fourth quarter on a 9-2 run, holding Alvernia without a field goal for seven and a half minutes while the Falcons took a 42-33 lead with 2:40 to play.
• Samantha Wade knocked down a 3-pointer to get Alvernia back within six and mark Alvernia's first field goal of the fourth quarter. But, the Golden Wolves could not catch the Falcons. Alvernia never got closer than six the rest of the way as Messiah pulled away for the 53-44 win.

Inside the Box Score

• Taryn Woodson led Alvernia with a 15 point, 10 rebound double-double. Meghan Ruth finished with nine points and six rebounds.
• Alvernia outrebounded the Falcons 41-33.

Up Next

• Alvernia is at Widener University on Wednesday for the MAC Commonwealth semifinal against the #2 Pride. The Golden Wolves and Pride split the regular season series.