GLASSBORO, NJ - Forward Danielle Miranda recorded the game winning goal for the Rowan University field hockey team in a 2-1 upset over number one ranked Messiah College.

 

Miranda’s (sr. Flanders, NJ/Mount Olive) shot hit the lower right corner of the Falcons’ goal with 20:44 remaining in the game. Forward Rachel Cheafsky (sr. Ocean City, NJ/Ocean City) had the assist.     

 

This week, Messiah moved up to the number one spot in the national rankings after last Saturday’s 3-2 victory over defending national champion Ursinus College. Ursinus won the 2006 NCAA Championship over Messiah, 3-2. Rowan is ranked 10th in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Poll.

 

Cheafsky scored the tying goal at 41:23. She tapped in a pass from Miranda who got the loose ball after a save by Messiah goalie Ashley Mowery (so. Mechanicsburg, PA/Northern).

 

At 1:06, forward Nikki Bailey (jr. Elliottsburg, PA/West Perry) had Messiah’s lone score. Bailey found the net during a scramble in front of the Profs’ goal.  

 

In the second half, the Profs dominated with nine shots while the Falcons only had three. Rowan ended the game with 14 shots and Messiah had 11. Prof goalie Amanda Cucinotti (sr. Voorhees, NJ/Cherry Hill E.) made two saves. Mowery turned away seven shots.      

 

Rowan is home again on Saturday, September 15 against Juniata College at 3 p.m.