WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a statistically even match-up, Messiah managed two unassisted goals to edge out a 2-0 victory over the Catholic University field hockey team Wednesday night at Cardinal Stadium.

The Cardinals (5-10) suffered its ninth loss of the season against a team ranked or receiving votes in the NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll, four of which have been in the top-10.

The eighth-ranked Falcons held a slight 14-13 edge in shots and had one more save, 7-6. Meanwhile, Catholic held a 10-4 margin in penalty corners with a 9-4 advantage over the final 30 minutes.

Messiah (12-2) broke a scoreless tie with 3:32 remaining in the second when Ashlyn Smith scored her eighth goal of the season on a shot from the top of the circle on a deflection off a Cardinal defender.

Despite a 5-1 margin in shots and a 4-0 advantage in penalty corners in the third quarter, Catholic could not get the equalizer and the Falcons maintained its one goal lead.

With 6:02 left in the fourth, Nicole Shank added Messiah's second goal off a penalty corner as she dribbled around senior Maysen Elliott and slotted the ball into the far corner.

Elliott finished with four saves while junior Gracie Burford and senior Claire Flannery each had one defensive save. Catie Brubaker made seven saves for the Falcons.

The Cardinals, who held Messiah two goals below its season average, return to action on Saturday when they travel to Susquehanna. Game time is at 1 p.m.