GRANTHAM, Pa. - Senior Ariella Hopp matched her career-high with four points on a goal and two assists but the Stevenson field hockey team dropped its Commonwealth Conference opener, 7-4 to the seven-time defending conference champions and No. 13 Messiah Saturday afternoon at Anderson Field.

The Mustangs (6-4, 0-1 MAC) dropped their first conference opener in three seasons in the Commonwealth Conference. The four goals however, were the first in three all-time meetings Stevenson has scored versus the Falcons, winners of 12 of the last 13 conference titles.

The game that featured a combined 32 points on 11 goals as 12 different players totaled a point.

The Falcons (5-4, 1-0 MAC) scored three first half goals but Stevenson matched them every time as senior Caitlin Dempsey, sophomore Rosemarie Neiva and Hopp all totaled first half goals. Senior Meg Gill added two assists while Hopp added one.

Dempsey, who is five goals shy of tying the school record for goals in a career, has now scored a goal in 26 of 48 career games.

Messiah took a two goal lead just under 15 minutes into the second half before Dempsey cut the lead back to one with her team leading 10th goal of the season.

However, the Falcons added two more second half goals en route to a season-high seven goals. Carissa Gehman led Messiah with five points on two goals and an assist. She leads the conference with 12 goals.

Sophomore Gabriella Brooks totaled 10 saves.

The Falcons held a 30-9 advantage in shots, including 17-3 in the second half. Messiah also held a 9-7 edge in penalty corners.

The Mustangs return home on Wednesday, October 1 when they host a non-conference game versus Gettysburg beginning at 7:00 p.m.