BOX SCORE

Purchase, N.Y. (March 22, 2007) – Junior Tom Novak (Pottstown, PA/Pottsgrove) was involved in 10 of 12 goals for Alvernia College including the unassisted game-winner in overtime as the Crusaders topped Manhattanville 12-11 Thursday evening in non-conference men’s lacrosse action at Manhattanville.

            The host Valiants (3-1) controlled much of the action over the first three quarters of play and held a 7-4 lead heading into the final quarter where Alvernia (1-3) posted its own 7-4 edge to knot the score at 11-all forcing the extra period.  Novak controlled the ball just over a minute into the overtime period and sank his sixth goal of the night to give the Crusaders their first win of the season.

            Freshman Mark Lenahan (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) made 11 saves to pick up his first career win.  Sophomore Tom Fraker (Carlisle, PA/Carlisle) scored twice and picked up a team-best four ground balls.  Dan Dempsey (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast) also scored twice and Tim Marcinek (Philadelphia, PA/LaSalle) finished with one goals and one assist.

            Alvernia took a one-goal lead mid-way through the fourth quarter scoring five of the first six goals of the quarter.  Manhattanville came back with a pair of goals to take a 10-9 lead with 3:21 to play in regulation, but Novak assisted Dempsey on a game-tying goal and Chris Baker (Exeter, PA/Exeter) notched his only goal of the night to put the Crusaders back on top, 11-10 with 2:14 to go.  The Valiants answered to knot the score, but Novak gave the guests the win just over a minute into the extra period.

            Alvernia will return home to face Shenandoah University on Saturday to open up the conference schedule.

Alvernia 12, Manhattanville 11 (OT)