(Grantham, Pa.) – In a battle of unbeaten, nationally-ranked teams, #2-ranked Messiah College came out on top of Dickinson, 3-0, on Tuesday night. Despite the outcome, the Red Devils held their own against the highly ranked defending national champions, looking to spoil the shutout right down to the final seconds.

Junior Nikki Elsaesser had a career night, scoring twice and handing out an assist for the Falcons. Elsaesser served a ball to Holly Burgard, who one-time a shot into the net to put Messiah on the board in the 32^nd minute.

Elsaesser collected a lead pass from Kayla Deckert and raced into the 18-yard box to slip a shot into the corner of the net with 26 minutes remaining in the match. Burgard would return the favor to Elsaesser in the 79^th minute as Elsaesser re-directed her shot into the net for the final tally fo the night.

The Red Devils were able to build some quality attacks into Messiah territory but the Falcon defense was solid, holding Dickinson to just two shots on the night. The Falcons forced nine corners in the second half, finishing with 11 for the game. They allowed just one on the defensive end of the field.

Audra Larson made one save in goal for Messiah as they improve to 8-0 on the year. Charlotte Armour (New Haven, Conn./Choate Rosemary Hall) made nine saves in the nets for Dickinson as the Red Devils drop their first of the season to slip to 7-1.

The Red Devils return home and to Centennial Conference play on Saturday, hosting Swarthmore College at 1:00 pm.