Messina earned his first career win in his first-ever collegiate appearance on the mound. The rookie lefty pitched 5.0 innings of scoreless ball in a combined 6-0 shutout at Gardner-Webb on opening day for the Knights. Messina struck out four batters, while walking just two in the victory. The East Northport, NY native faced 18 Bulldog batters and limited them to a .063 BA. Messina finished the weekend with a .600 WHIP. This is the fifth straight season that a FDU ace has won NEC Pitcher of the Week honors.