GRANTHAM, Pa. -- No. 1 ranked Messiah College scored three goals in the first half as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Covenant Lady Scots on Friday evening in Pennsylvania in the opening match for both teams.

Messiah (1-0), also the defending NCAA Division III champions, received scores from Alex Brandt, Lauren Federline, and Nikki Elsaesser in the first 45 minutes of action. The Falcons then added another goal in the 53rd minute when Alicia Frey found the back of the net to make it 4-0.

The Lady Scots (0-1) had difficulty getting anything going on the attack. Covenant was unable to generate even a shot against the tough Messiah squad.

Covenant keeper Hannah Bales was tested all match long as she faced 15 shots on goal, saving 11 of them. Lucy Johnson also spent some time in front of the net and recorded one save.

The Lady Scots stay on the road tomorrow as they face Franklin & Marshall College at 3:00 p.m. Covenant will then return home for the first time this year to face GSAC foe Agnes Scott College on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m.