Melissa Gartner

GRANTHAM, Pa. — The Wittenberg Tigers opened a new era with a disappointing loss at perennial powerhouse Messiah. The Tigers were held without a shot in a 7-0 loss to the host Falcons on the first day of the Messiah Classic and in the first game under new Head Coach Kwame Lloyd.

The Tigers get right back into action on Saturday with a game against Moravian, also at the Messiah Classic.

Messiah, which had its 76-game unbeaten streak snapped in last year's national championship game against Hardin-Simmons, outshot Wittenberg 29-0 in the game. The Falcons open the 2011 season ranked No. 2 nationally.

Junior goalkeeper Melissa Gartner (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. ursula) was credited with eight saves in the game.