GRANTHAM, Pa – The Ursinus field hockey team played a strong defensive game but eventually fell to No. 2 Messiah, 1-0, at Anderson Field.
Ursinus (0-2) couldn't quite muster enough offense to generate an equalizing goal. The Falcons (2-0) scored the only tally in the 30th minute when Kristen Musser capitalized off a penalty corner. Megan Wetzel assisted Musser's game-winning goal.
Ursinus senior keeper Jules Singer played well in goal. Facing constant pressure, Singer made five saves as the Falcons put six shots on net. Messiah kept possession in the Bears' defensive end for much of the match. The Falcons took 16 total shots in the game.
The 2016 NCAA champions held the Bears without a shot in the second half while taking 10 of their own. Messiah held just a 6-3 shot advantage over Ursinus through the first half.
Ursinus junior Erin Saybolt was the only Bear to register a shot. Saybolt took all three shots and put two of them on goal.
Messiah's keeper Shelby Landes posted a shutout with two saves, all coming in the first stanza.
Kezia Loht led the Falcons with five shots taken and Musser took four. Messiah held the penalty corner edge 8-3.
Ursinus plays its first home game on Saturday as the Bears host William Smith at noon.