(Posted September 23, 2004)

Messiah 1, Juniata 0

Grantham, Pa. ? In a rematch of the 2003 Commonwealth Conference Championship match, the Juniata College field hockey team came close to earning revenge, but fell just short falling to Messiah College 1-0 in Grantham Thursday afternoon. Juniata is now 5-1 on the season and 1-1 in conference play, while Messiah improved its record to 7-0 and 2-0 in conference play.

The match was a battle between two undefeated teams, both of which were ranked in the STX/NFHCA Division III National Coaches Poll. Juniata was ranked 18th in the September 21 poll, while Messiah held the top spot in the same poll.

The lone goal of the match came with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Lindsey Hunter scored off an assist from Jenna Schwind.

Juniata keeper Melonie Sappe? (Dallas/Shavertown) made 10 saves in the match, as the Eagles limited the high-scoring Falcons to just 13 shots in 70 minutes of action. A second Falcon goal was foiled when sophomore Bobbi Rickenbaugh (East Juniata/McAlisterville) made a critical defensive save.

Juniata would pressure the Falcon goal throughout the match, taking seven shots in the contest. Messiah goalie Erica Nelson made thee saves in the match to preserve the shutout for the home team.

The match saw Juniata continue the solid defensive play it has featured throughout 2004. Messiah entered the match averaging seven goals per game through their first six games. Prior to the match with Juniata, Messiah?s lowest goal total in a match had been three.

Juniata?s five-match winning streak to open the season tied the program record for the longest winning streak. Both the 1988 and 1989 seasons featured five-game winning streaks.

Juniata will be back in action on Saturday when the Eagles host Widener for another conference match.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.