OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The top-seeded Stevenson field hockey team captured the MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 3 Messiah to claim the program's first-ever victory over the Falcons.

The game's lone goal came at the 12:54 mark, when Hailey Mertz scored off an assist from Kailen Hibshman. Despite being outshot 19-7 overall and 8-3 on goal, the Mustangs' defense held strong as goalkeeper Jordan Vradenburgh made eight saves to secure the shutout win.

Following the game, Mertz was named the MAC Commonwealth Tournament Most Valuable Player after scoring two goals in the postseason, including the championship game-winner.

This season the Mustangs are making history and have so far achieved first time being top seeded in the MAC Commonwealth, firs time hosting a MAC Commonwealth Championship, first MAC Commonwealth Championship title, and will now move on to make the program's very first NCAA Tournament appearance. 

With the victory, Stevenson advances to the NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs will learn their first-round opponent during the NCAA selection show on Sunday at 9 p.m. EST, with first-round action set for Wednesday, November 12.