“This is a really tough tournament with lots of great competition,” Messiah head coach Judi Tobias said. “We played one solid team after another.”

On Friday, the Falcons first took on Shenandoah University (8-8) and won in straight sets 25-21, 25-18 and 27-25. The Falcons attack was led by Reese who notched 12 kills in the win.

Messiah would then take on Geneva College (14-6) in their second match Friday evening. The Falcons would win the first two sets 25-23 and 25-17 before dropping the third set 25-13 to Geneva.  However, Messiah bounced back to win the fourth set 25-13 and win the match.

Rees again tallied 12 kills in the win with Hill anchoring the Falcons defense with 16 digs in the match. Falcons' junior setter Jessica Geib added 29 assists and 12 digs for the win.

Messiah opened Saturday against Washington & Lee University (14-6). The Falcons dropped the first set 18-25, and rallied to win the second set 25-21. Washington& Lee would prove to be too much as they would win the next two sets 25-22 and 25-15, respectively to win the match. However, the Falcons' overall win total advanced them into the finals to face Gallaudet.

In the championship, the Falcons came out strong against the Bison of Gallaudet University winning the opening set 25-16.  The Bison would not go away quietly as they stormed back to win the second set 25-18. Messiah would regroup and win the match by winning the third and fourth set 25-20 and 25-23, winning the tournament.

“We had a great weekend,” Coach Tobias commented. “It's great to win against Gallaudet. They're a great team.”

Messiah resumes conference play on Wednesday October 3rd as they will host Albright College (4-7, 04-4) at 7:00 p.m.

The complete All-Tournament team is below: