(Posted October 19, 2006)

Messiah 1, Juniata 0 GRANTHAM, Pa. - Despite a career day from its goalkeeper, the 14th-ranked Juniata College field hockey team was unable to create enough offense as the Eagles fell to third-ranked Messiah College Thursday in a Commonwealth Conference match. Juniata is now 13-2 and 4-2 in the conference, while Messiah improved to 12-2 and is now also 4-2 in conference play. Both of Juniata\'s losses this season have come against nationally-ranked opponents. Despite the loss, Juniata is still in good position to earn a spot in the conference postseason, though the Eagles have not yet clinched one of the four spots. Messiah created most of the scoring chances throughout the match, but were unable to break through thanks to the play of sophomore goalie Abby Funk (Lewisburg/Lewisburg) and senior defender Corinne Hamblett (South Carroll/Westminster, Md.). Funk made a career-high 15 saves in the match, including 11 in the second half as the Falcons pressed for the go-ahead goal. Hamblett had a pair of defensive saves in the contest to help keep the match scoreless. But Messiah\'s pressure finally broke through against Juniata as Lindsey Hunter converted a pass from Elizabeth Ziegler off a penalty corner to put Juniata in a 1-0 hole with just 2:50 remaining in the second half. The Eagles would look for the equalizer but Messiah keeper Ashley Mowery kept Juniata off the scoreboard. Juniata\'s offense was unable to get its rhythm throughout the contest as the Eagles were held to three shots. The Blue and Gold forced Mowery into a pair of saves and forced a defensive save from Brittany Godshall but could not find the back of the goal. Messiah had 22 shots in the match. Juniata will be back in action on Saturday with a non-conference home match against Wooster. ###

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