MECHANICSBURG, Pa. - McDaniel battled all afternoon with the number-three ranked team in the country, but two late goals gave the Falcons the 3-1 win.

In a back and forth opening half, both teams locked in on defense and made offense in the final third difficult for both teams. The Falcons (4-0-1) created a few chances early in the period on crosses, but could not capitalize. 

As the half continued senior midfielder Taylor Clawson took possession just over midfield for McDaniel (1-2-2). With a quick first step, she beat her defender dribbling to just outside the 18, where she connected on a shot that sailed just off target to the right of the goal.

Just a few moments later, a Messiah forward got some space and crossed it into the box, but junior Allison Storm cut off the pass and headed it to safety. Messiah maintained possession, but could not find an opening.

With the ball at the top of the box, a deflected Falcons pass rolled out to Kristina Akselsen who placed a shot just passed the outstretched hands of graduate student Katherine Carstensen to give Messiah an early lead. 

Messiah continued to attack the Green Terror defense as the second half began, but senior Kiersten Crowley and graduate student Jules Dotterweich held firm each time. In the 55th minute, McDaniel was able to counter and Allison Storm streaked down the right side of the field. She got the corner on her defender who fouled her in the box for a Green Terror penalty kick.

Sophomore Jessica Weinoldt calmly stepped up to the ball and converted to tie the game up.

With less than six minutes left, Messiah took advantage of another deflection as Rachael Tirjan corralled the ball at the top of the box and found the back of the net to break the tie. 

With two minutes left Hannah Adair connected on a shot for the third goal of the game, and Messiah held on for the win. 

McDaniel returns to action against on Saturday at Muhlenberg as conference play begins. The match is scheduled for 11 A.M.