Sally O'Donnell, Julie Sherwood Score 11 Points Each

GRANTHAM, PA – Messiah's Julie Henninger totaled game-highs of 18 points and seven assists as host Messiah College topped visiting Washington College, 77-54, on Friday night in the first round of the Messiah College/Wingate Hotel Invitational at Brubaker Auditorium in the season opener for the Shorewomen. The Falcons improve to 2-0 on the season, while the Shorewomen fall to 0-1.

Messiah jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead just 1:59 into the contest, but Washington responded with a 10-3 run to grab a 10-9 lead with 14:56 remaining in the first half on a layup by freshman guard Maggie King (Kensington, MD/Bethesda-Chevy Chase). The Shorewomen led 19-18 before the Falcons responded with a 13-5 run to take a 31-24 lead on a layup by Michelle Schleich with 4:53 left in the first. Messiah took its largest lead in the opening half at 39-29 on a three-pointer by Anna Walker with 2:03 remaining. However, Washington closed out the half on a 6-0 spurt to trim the hosts lead to 39-35 at halftime with the last two points coming on a jumper from sophomore guard Meghan Tait (Oxford, PA/Oxford Area) as time expired.

Messiah opened up the second half with a 15-4 run in the first 7:14 of the second half to grab a 54-39 lead on a triple by Walker. After a pair of free throws by freshman center Erin Kile (Benton, PA/Benton), the Falcons scored the next five points to take a 59-41 cushion with 11:31 left in the game on a three by Karolena Szolack. Messiah would build its lead up to 24 points and the closest Washington would get the rest of the way was 16 points.

Schleich scored 14 points and Nicky Hess netted 11 points for the Falcons. Kira Maier totaled a game-best nine rebounds as the Falcons held a 43-30 edge on boards. Messiah shot 54 percent for the game and 64 percent from three-point range.

For the Shorewomen, sophomore guard/forward Sally O'Donnell (Cape May Court House, NJ/Wildwood Catholic) and senior forward Julie Sherwood (Fairfield, CT/Fairfield Warde) both tallied 11 points to lead WC, while senior guard Jane O'Donnell (Cape May Court House, NJ/Wildwood Catholic) added 10 points for the Shorewomen, who shot just 35 percent in the loss. Sally O'Donnell and Kile each grabbed seven rebounds to lead the guests.

The Shorewomen play York College of Pennsylvania in the second and final day of the Messiah College/Wingate Hotel Invitational. Tip time is at 1:00 p.m.