BOX SCORE

Reading, PA (Aug. 31, 2008) - Alvernia College captured the first Crusader Cup title this afternoon with a 2-1 win over Stevenson University.  Alvernia scored two goals early in the first half and were able to hold off a late surge from Stevenson to secure the championship.  Crusader goalies Kirsten Kelley (Kirkwood, PA/Bishop Shanahan) and Kristin Mantle (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon) combined for 13 saves and relied on the post and the crossbar to prevent another six goals.

The Crusaders struck first in the 17th minute when freshman Kate Wimberg (Galloway, NJ/Sacred Heart) lofted a strong shot from the right side of the field that flew into the net just past the reach of the Stevenson goalie.  Alvernia netted another goal for the quick 2-0 lead in the 21st minute when Allison Blair (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) lofted a shot again from the right side just out of the reach of the goalie.  Stevenson would battle back throughout the first half firing off 14 shots to Alvernia's nine.

The second half would begin with Stevenson quickly earning a penalty kick in the first minute of play,  Samantha Novy (Severna Park, Severna Park) found the back of the net for her second goal of the tournament to cut Alvernia's lead in half.  Stevenson continued to pressure Alvernia's defense, tallying three quick shots, two of which were wide and one that hit the post.  In the 69th minute Stevenson had perhaps their best chance of the game to score when two consecutive shots caromed off of the post.  In the final ten minutes of play Stevenson would again fire off two shots that both banged off the crossbar to preserve Alvernia's lead.  The Crusaders managed to hold off Stevenson for the rest of the game to secure the title as Crusader Cup champions.

Both Alvernia goalies Kelley and Mantle were named to the All-Tournament team along with freshman Amy Mesce (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley Regional).  Sophomore Felicia Sippel (Philadelphia, PA/St. Hubert's) was named the MVP of the tournament.

The Crusaders will return to play Sept. 6th at the SUNY Cortland Red Dragon Classic.

All-Tournament Team
Felicia Sippel (Alv) - Tournament MVP
Kirsten Kelley (Alv)
Amy Mesce (Alv)
Kristin Mantle (Alv)
Kaitlyn Amos (Ste)
Katie Decker (Ste)
Samantha Novy (Ste)
Jessi Dennis (She)
Lauren Morris (She)
Kat Terza (She)
Ashley Bates (Cha)
Mary McMahon (Cha)

Alvernia 2, Stevenson 1