Story provided by DeSales Sports Information.

Center Valley, PA (October 21, 2006)  - Senior forward Megan Novogratz (Allentown, PA/Central Catholic) scored twice and classmate Becky Macchione (Richland, PA/Conrad Weiser) scored two minutes into overtime to lift #20 Alvernia College to a 4-3 win over DeSales University Saturday afternoon in non-conference field hockey action at Fasching Fields.

        The Bulldogs (9-8 overall) jumped out to a 1-0 lead when senior Bethany Hepner (Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh) scored just 3:18 into the game on an assist from junior Ashley Sparango (Salfordville, PA/Souderton).

        Alvernia answered with the next three goals to build a 3-1 lead.  Novogratz scored the first two off assists from Jessie Titus (Leesport, PA/Schuylkill Valley) and Lauren Yoder (Fleetwood, PA/Oley Valley) in the first half and then Novogratz assisted on the third as Yoder made it a 3-1 game at the 41:46 mark of the second half.

        DSU refused to quit and cut the Crusader (15-2 overall) lead in half at 60:41 on an unassisted goal from sophomore Amanda Deal (Macungie, PA/Whitehall).  The goal was Deal’s 14th of the season.  Just 1:29 later junior Jen Pulcini (Easton, PA/Easton) tied the game with her 11th goal of the year off a feed from Deal and the game was headed for overtime.

        In the overtime, Macchione scored the game-winner just 2:10 into the extra period off a feed from junior midfielder Amber Landis (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) and the Crusaders escaped with the win.  AC out-shot DSU, 18-14, and each team had eight penalty corners.  Freshman Molly Pope (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) had eight saves for DSU, while Mandy Yocum (Morgantown, PA/Twin Valley) totaled seven saves for the Crusaders.

        Alvernia improved to 36-4 all time in games which Macchione and Novogratz score at least one goal each.  Novogratz, who is second to Macchione in goals this season with 14, scored two goals in a game for the second straight contest her first 10 goals of the season without scoring more than once in a game.

        Alvernia got right back on the bus after the DeSales game to travel to Lake Lehman High School where it will complete a halted game with Marywood University.

Alvernia 4, DeSales 3 (OT)