ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - Despite a valiant effort against the No. 12 ranked team in the country, Eastern Women's Soccer suffered its first home loss of the season against MAC Commonwealth foe Messiah. The visiting Falcons scored a pair of goals in the first 15 minutes and an insurance tally in the second half to hand the Eagles a 3-0 loss.

"Unfortunately, we started a bit slow," Eastern Head Coach AJ Stueck said. "That's definitely not what you want against a team like Messiah."

Brianna Seip scored Messiah's first goal off her own rebound in the fourth minute, and Kristina Akselsen made it 2-0 on a great individual play in the 10th minute. Michaela Elliot recorded the Falcons' final tally in the 63rd minute off a corner kick.

The Falcons controlled possession and field position throughout the contest, compiling 27 shots, 17 of which were on goal. Conversely, the Eagles finished with just three total shots and one on frame.

First year goalkeeper Emily Honig stood tall in goal in her 11th start, making 14 saves against a relentless attack and increasing her season save total to 56. Madelyn Mullen, Cassie Avenick, and Jenna Linstra each recorded shots for the Eagles.

"Emily continues to do well in net for us," Stueck said. "She made many good saves throughout the contest."

Eastern will be back at Olson Field on Wednesday afternoon for a non-conference matchup against Lancaster Bible College before heading to York on Saturday for a critical MAC Commonwealth matchup against the Spartans.

"We will look to rebound on Wednesday," Stueck concluded. "We have a huge week ahead in our season."