BOX SCORE

Reading, PA (Aug. 30, 2008) - The Crusader Women's Soccer team opened their season with a convincing 4-0 victory over visiting Chatham University (0-1) this afternoon in the opening game of the Crusader Cup Tournament held at Schlager Memorial Field.  Alvernia (1-0) dominted throughout the game allowing Chatham only three shots over 90 minutes.
 
The Crusaders netted their first goal 17 minutes into the first half when sophomore midfielder Felicia Sippel (Philadelphia, PA/St. Hubert's) found freshman Amy Mesce (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley Regional) open in front of the net and Mesce connected for Alvernia's first goal of the season.  Alvernia quickly followed with another goal for the early 2-0 lead when Sippel scored a goal of her own off of a free kick less than two minutes later.  Sippel was able to curl the ball just over Chatham's defense and just out of reach of the goalie.  

Alvernia added their third goal before half time when Kara Ross (Quakertown, PA/Quakertown) put one into the back of the net with less than 20 seconds left in the half.  Chatham was unable to manage a shot in the first half and Alvernia headed into the second half with a  comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Crusaders continued to dominate through the second half, firing off 20 shots while allowing Chatham only three.  Alvernia's fourth goal came five minutes into the second half when freshman Sara Gimber (Gilbertsville, PA/Boyertown) was assisted by Mesce.  Gimber led the Crusaders with seven shots and four shots on goal.  

Crusader goalies Kristen Kelley (Kirkwood, PA/Bishop Shanahan) and Kristin Mantle (Pittsford, NY, Pittsford Mendon) combined for the shut out needing only two saves in the second half to preserve the shut out.

Alvernia will take on the winner of Stevenson University and Shenandoah College tomorrow afternoon at 2:00pm for the Crusader Cup title.  Both the consolation and championship game will be webcast live.

Alvernia 4, Chatham 0