BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2008) – The Alvernia College volleyball team (2-8, 0-2) hosted its first Freedom Conference match on Wednesday evening and fell to FDU-Florham (4-9, 1-1) by a final of 3-1 at the Physical Education Center.

The Devils, picked second in the preseason coaches poll, jumped out to an early 11-1 lead in the opening game, but the Crusaders battled back to pull within one at 22-21 before the guests escaped with a 25-22 win in the opener. FDU handled the second game by a 25-14 final, and with Alvernia trailing 24-21 in game three, senior Lauren Crimi (Nazareth, Pa./Notre Dame) came up with four straight points on serve for a 26-24 win.

Alvernia built a modest lead in the fourth game only to see FDU take control with five straight points on its fifth rotation. Alvernia responded to take a one points lead at 14-13, but after three straight points for the guests Alvernia failed to build any momentum by siding out on three straight serves. FDU took a 22-17 lead and cruised to the 25-20 win.

Alvernia had three players with five or more kills in the match led by freshman middle hitter Alyssa Soltis (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) with seven. Sophomore Leah Crimi (Nazareth, Pa./Notre Dame) handed out 23 assists and Lauren Crimi paced the defensive efforts with 17 digs. FDU had two players reach double figures in kills with Lauren Brazier (Stony Brook N.Y./Ward Melville) racking up 11 and Katlyn Mullane (San Antonio, Tx./Warren) finishing with 10. Kerry Kuperman (Scottsdale, Az./Chapparal) had 30 assists for the Devils.

Alvernia will continue the conference schedule with a match at Manhattanville on Saturday.

FDU-Florham 3, Alvernia 1