Salisbury falls late to top-ranked Messiah, 1-0

GRATHAM, Pa. - Second-ranked Salisbury University faced off against No. 1 Messiah College on Saturday afternoon in a rematch of last season's NCAA Division III Field Hockey National Championship game.

The final score was a repeat as well, but the outcome had one distinct difference. Messiah prevailed, 1-0, on a late goal with 5:01 left to play to hand the three-time defending champs back-to-back losses for the first time since October 1999.

The Sea Gulls (9-2) haven't lost more than one game in a season since 2002, which was also the last time Salisbury was beaten by Messiah.

Messiah (8-1) was led by a couple of fresh faces as freshman Emily Sauder scored the game-winning goal and freshman goalie Ashley Mowery stopped 11 Salisbury shots for the shutout.

Salisbury led in most offensive categories including a 25-13 advantage in shots and a 15-8 edge in penalty corners. However, the Gulls could not put one past Mowery.

Salisbury junior Maria Ramoundos notched four saves in net while senior Tracey Lloyd turned away two Falcon attempts with defensive saves. Danielle Twilley led the Gulls in shots, most coming off penalty corners.

Salisbury returns home to face No. 19 Catholic University in a key Capital Athletic Conference game at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 4. The Gulls will be hoping to snap their two game losing skid and remain unbeaten in conference play.