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Division I NCAA Division III Messiah men, women claim national crowns to cap perfect seasons.
Messiah of Grantham, Pa., captured its fourth national title in six years. The Falcons finished the season at 24-0 and ran their winning streak to 29. "Every year and each team is different," said Messiah coach Dave Brandt. "This team had great chemistry and leadership which brought out the best in the team." In the opener of the doubleheader, Messiah's women completed a 23-0 season with a national crown by defeating the College of New Jersey 1-0. Senior midfielder Bryan Mohney assisted on the scoring play in the men's final. "I was able to recognize where I was in relation to the defenders," Edwards said of 10th goal of the year. "Once Bryan got the ball to me, it was a pretty easy and short finish." Gustavus Adolphus (17-3-5) of Saint Peter, Minn., had a number of good scoring chances on counterattacks -- especially in the first half -- but could not avoid the shutout. "We missed chances in the first half. Had we converted, the story could've been different," GAC coach Larry Zelenz said. "But (Messiah is) one of the best teams in a long time. They deserve all the credit." Messiah outshot the Gusties 7-6. "Our coaches prepared us well this year," Mohney said. "With our winning streak, we had to keep our focus for every game. We kept challenging ourselves all season." In the women's final before 1,073 fans, senior midfielder Billie Jo Atkins headed home a flip throw-in from freshman striker Rachel Horning in the 70th minute to give Messiah the decision over its equally undefeated, untied opponent from Ewing, N.J. TCNJ finished 22-1. Horning did a front hand-spring\somersault which gave the diminutive midfielder the momentum to throw the ball 35 yards to the six-yard box. Atkins was there to put away her fourth tally of the season. "I've been doing that throw since I was nine years old," Horning said. "If I just started to try the somersault now, I'd probably break my neck." This wasn't the first time Horning's acrobatics had led to a goal. "We've scored on that play about four times this year," Falcons coach Scott Frey said. "It's a dangerous and exciting play because she has the ability to put it in front of the goal." Messiah freshman defender Kacie Klynstra was named the tournament's "Most Outstanding Player," leading a defense that did not allow a goal in the national semifinals or final. Today, she marked College of New Jersey All-American striker Brittny Boyd, who had 15 goals this season, and held her without a shot. "She was the difference in our team this year," Frey said. "With Kacie in the back, we were able to move players forward in the lineup. She does not play like a freshman." Messiah outshot TCNJ 10-8 with junior goalkeeper Cassie Grose making five saves for the clean sheet. Senior Alissa Kacar made two saves for the Lions. "My hat's off to Messiah," TCNJ coach Joe Russo said. "They were well coached, and well prepared. I am (also) very proud of my team. . . This is a very dynamic group. I could not be prouder of these kids." NCAA Division III Men's championship - Saturday, November 26
Men's semifinals - Friday, November 25
Women's championship - Saturday, November 26
Women's semifinals - Friday, November 25
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