BOX SCORE
Reading, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2006) – Alvernia College seniors Becky Macchione (Richland, PA/Conrad Weiser) and Megan Novogratz (Allentown, PA/Central Catholic) picked up right where they left off a season ago as the top two career goal-scorers both scored in the Crusaders 4-0, season-opening victory over Albright College Friday afternoon at Shirk Stadium.
Both players continued to solidify themselves in the top two positions for career goals at Alvernia and the team improved to 28-3 in games that Macchione (72 career goals) and Novogratz (60) both score at least one goal. The team was a remarkable 11-0 in such games during the tandem’s sophomore season. Two of the three loses have come in postseason games including last year’s NCAA Second Round match-up with eventual national runner-up Messiah College.
After a scoreless first half, largely due to the efforts of Albright starter Logan Nickerson who made several point blank saves, Macchione slammed home her 15th career game-winner just over three minutes into the second half. Fifteen minutes later, Novogratz, who also owns 15 game-winners, collected a pass from freshman Janelle Lynch (Macungie, PA/Brandywine Heights) and calmly flicked home the second goal of the day.
Junior defender Lynsey Treadwell (Farmingdale, NJ/Howell) ripped a shot from the top of the circle in the 63rd minute that found its way through the Albright defense for her first career tally, and junior Shayna Clark (Leesport, PA/Schuylkill Valley) finished the scoring in the 69th minute from roughly the same spot.
Alvernia goalie Audrey Hoffman (Mertztown, PA/Brandywine Heights) started the game and made three saves in 46 minutes. Mandy Yocum (Morgantown, PA/Twin Valley) finished the game and needed just one save to preserve the shutout.
Alvernia will continue the schedule hosting Susquehanna University in non-conference action on Saturday at Wyomissing High School. Alvernia improved to 7-3 all-time versus Albright.
Alvernia 4, Albright 0
