READING, PA. – The Albright field hockey program fell to a well-rounded Messiah team 3-0 on Friday afternoon at Shirk Stadium in a MAC Commonwealth game.

All three goals by the Falcons came in the,first period as Messiah jumped out to a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

Albright, which has won nine of its last 13 games, dropped to 10-7 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Messiah remained undefeated in MAC Commonwealth competition as the Falcons improved to 11-5 overall and 6-0 in the league.

Albright had an early chance to take a lead as Kendra Delgado took a penalty stroke after Amanda Smith was fouled on a breakaway in the 17th minute. But Messiah goalie Shelby Landes made a diving stop on the shot to keep the game scoreless.

Messiah's Lindsay Bower broke the scoreless tie as her caromed off an Albright defender and past Lions goalie Aileen,Taylor giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead at the 19:58 mark of the first period.

Messiah continued to generate offensive opportunities and earned,seven penalty corners in the first frame. Carissa Gehman scored off an assist from Kezia Loht to increase the lead to 2-0 and Karalyn Schmidt scored at the 29:11 mark of the first period to up the lead to 3-0.

The Albright defense stiffened in the second period as they held Messiah off the scoreboard for the final 35 minutes of play.

Messiah outshot Albright 14-9 and held a 10-8 advantage in penalty corners.

Sam Chichearo led Albright with three shots, while Amanda Smith and Delgado each had two shots.

The Lions continue MAC Commonwealth play as the team travels to Alvernia on Tuesday (Oct. 27) for a 7 p.m. start time.,

Albright will host the College of New Jersey in non-conference action on Thursday (Oct. 29) at 7 p.m. in their final home match of the season.