GRANTHAM, Pa. – No. 13 Messiah showed off its national prowess with a 7-1 victory over the Haverford College field hockey team Saturday afternoon. After starting off the season with a quick start in the opening half against Cabrini, the Fords had the tables turned on them in their first road contest of the year.
Paige Carson scored Haverford's tally during the 51st minute of play. Her goal came during one of four attacking penalty corner chances for the Fords. Her first goal of the year was set up by Sydney Cone. Carson's tally helped the Fords play an even second half with the nationally-ranked Eagles as they drew 1-1 over the final 35 minutes. However, Messiah scored six times overall in the first first half, including four goals in the first 12 minutes.
Messiah opened the contest's scoring in the fifth minute with a goal from Kaylor Rosenberry. The Eagles also scored on a pair of unassisted solo efforts from Taylor Holt and Carissa Gehman in the opening 12 minutes of the game for the second and third goals of the contest. The Eagles' third tally came after the Fords' defense blocked the initial shot attempt, but the ricochet bounced right to Gehman for the put away.
The Fords defense began to find its footing as the game wore along; however, the Eagles still managed to find openings on the back line during the 13th, 23rd, and 33rd minutes for the 6-0 lead at the break. Messiah's final tally of the afternoon came in the 40th minute of play during another solo effort.
Haverford earned four attacking penalty corners of its own and took advantage in the 51st minute. Carson's goal was her second in as many games as she also scored in the season-opening win against Cabrini. Helping put the penalty corner in motion, Cone's assist was her first point of the year and second helper of her career.
Carson finished the game as one of four players to take a pair of shots for the Fords. Paige Powell, Sarah Waldis and Allison Martin also had two runs at goal on the afternoon. Elena Veale and Brenna Boehman recorded single shots for Haverford in the contest. In goal, Lindsey Lopes started in goal and made two saves during her time in net. Abby Frerotte came in late in the first half and made four saves during her 45-plus minutes in goal.
Field hockey will look to bounce back this Wednesday as the Fords make the quick trip to Eastern University. That game is scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m. The Fords were 3-2 winners in overtime when these teams met a season ago.