CHESTER, Pa. – The Widener University field hockey team came back from a two-goal deficit to take the match to extra time against No. 8 Messiah University on Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell to the Falcons 3-2 on a penalty stroke in the second overtime period.
 
After a scoreless opening frame, Messiah found the board first midway through the second period when it was awarded its first penalty stroke of the afternoon. The Falcons added to its lead shortly after halftime on a penalty corner to jump up to a 2-0 advantage.
 
Jess Alba cut that deficit in half with five minutes remaining in the third. Senior midfielder Gianna Perna took a shot on a penalty corner that Alba deflected in past the Falcons' goalie. Late in the fourth, it was Alba again who scored to even up the tally. In a near identical play, senior Jesse Schlosser ripped a shot on a corner that found its way to a waiting Alba in front of the cage. Alba's eight goals this season are now tied for seventh in the conference.
 
The Blue and Gold fended off the potent Messiah offense in the first overtime period to force a second. However, the Falcons were awarded a penalty stroke with 7:33 to play and snuck the shot in to end the match and claim a 3-2 victory.
 
First year goalkeeper Kylie Haberstroh had a terrific afternoon in cage. She came up with eight saves on 11 shots faced. She also only allowed one of the Falcons' three goals in continuous play with the other two coming on penalty strokes.
 
The Blue and Gold returns to action for its final regular season game on Wednesday, October 27 when it hosts Eastern University. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.