GRANTHAM, Pa. - Nine-time defending MAC Commonwealth champions and second-ranked Messiah scored five first half goals as the Falcons posted an 8-0 victory over the Stevenson field hockey team in the conference openers for both teams Saturday afternoon at Anderson Field.

The Mustangs (2-5, 0-1 MACC) are winless in their six all-time meeting versus the Falcons, who have been ranked in all six of those contests. Meanwhile, Messiah extends their win streak to seven on the season with the win.

The hosts got on the board 10:08 into the contest before the Falcons (7-1, 1-0 MACC) doubled their lead just 2:06 later, with both goals coming off of penalty corners. Messiah held a 7-4 advantage in penalty corners, including 5-1 in the opening half.

After taking a three-goal lead in the 28th minute, the Falcons received back-to-back goals from Taylor Wiederrecht in a 2:12 span, including 12 seconds before halftime. Wiederrecht was one of seven different goal scorers for Messiah.

All three of the Falcons second half goals came in the opening 11:39, including the first strike coming just 3:33 after halftime. Moriah Pfautz led Messiah with one goal and three assists in the game.

Messiah outshot the Mustangs, 19-4, including 9-0 in the opening half.

Freshmen Kelsey Eure and Hope Nyarady split time in the net with Nyarady getting her first action this season. Both finished with three saves.

Stevenson returns home for a three-game home stand on Wednesday, September 28 when the Mustangs host a non-conference contest versus Gettysburg beginning at 7:00 p.m.