Center Valley, PA (December 9, 2006) – The 13^th ranked Messiah College women’s basketball team shot 60.9 percent from the field and used a late 24-7 run to pull away from DeSales University, 69-47, in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon in Billera Hall.

 

        Trailing by 18 mid-way thru the second half, the Bulldogs (5-3 overall) cut into the lead with a 16-6 run to end the first half as Messiah (7-1 overall) hung onto an eight-point advantage, 36-28, at the break.  The game was back and forth over the first ten minutes of the second half before sophomore Erica Sovak (Tuxedo, NY/George F. Baker) nailed a three-pointer from the corner to get DSU within five, 45-40, at the 10:57 mark.

 

        DeSales made a steal on the other end and had a chance to get within one possession of the Messiah lead but turned the ball over and the Falcons took advantage.  Junior Nicki Lobach hit a three-pointer to push the lead back to eight points and ignited the game-ending 24-7 run that put the Bulldogs away.  Lobach tallied a team-high eight points during the game-clinching spurt.

 

        Messiah torched the nets in both halves shooting 62.5 percent in first half and 59.1 percent in the second frame.  The Bulldogs kept pace in the opening half, shooting 50.0 percent, but canned just 30.8 percent of its shot attempts in the second half.  Both teams mishandled the ball with DSU committing 23 turnovers and the Falcons 22.  MC held a 28-22 edge on the boards.

 

        Senior Kirby Lutz (Easton, PA/Pen Argyl) totaled 12 points and six rebounds to lead DSU and sophomore LeighAnn Burke (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) was the only other double digit scorer with 10 points.

 

        Lobach finished with a game-high 20 points and added four assists and three steals for the Falcons.  Senior Sarah Ringer totaled 14 points and junior Gwen Avery and sophomore Christa Wenrich each had eight points in the win.