Reloaded Lady Falcons Enter 11th Straight Tournament Appearance
Nick Hemming
Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Sports
The motivating factor that carried the Lady Falcons through a grueling final week of play, however, may have stemmed from the common closeness felt by Miller's young roster. "At first we all got along and we were playing for the same goal of winning and furthering God's kingdom, but now we are also playing for each other and have a better understanding of who we are as individuals and as a team," responded Hess. Chaplin had called it. The relentless Falcons won three of their final four contests, setting the stage for a competitive Commonwealth tournament. As every storybook would write, the final stop would leave the Lady Falcons where they had felt bitter frustration for the first time - nearby Annville, PA, competing against host Lebanon Valley.
This time around, however, the women of Messiah would not disappoint. The Lady Falcons never trailed after an early 2-1 deficit, ultimately overcoming a strong Lebanon Valley squad, 60-55. Senior Julie Henninger was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, recording a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds. The frustration of a regular-season sweep was no match for the fighting Falcons.
With abounding momentum paving their way, Messiah will cling tightly to their home white uniforms as they host the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament this weekend. In conventional fashion, the women of Messiah remain modest regarding their overwhelming accomplishments: "each game we are playing for God, to win, and for the other girls on the team and we have a lot of fun playing the game we all love. You always play harder when you are playing for someone other than yourself."
This time around, however, the women of Messiah would not disappoint. The Lady Falcons never trailed after an early 2-1 deficit, ultimately overcoming a strong Lebanon Valley squad, 60-55. Senior Julie Henninger was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, recording a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds. The frustration of a regular-season sweep was no match for the fighting Falcons.
With abounding momentum paving their way, Messiah will cling tightly to their home white uniforms as they host the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament this weekend. In conventional fashion, the women of Messiah remain modest regarding their overwhelming accomplishments: "each game we are playing for God, to win, and for the other girls on the team and we have a lot of fun playing the game we all love. You always play harder when you are playing for someone other than yourself."
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