BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Oct. 21, 2009) - Widener University (9-4, 2-2) scored the only goal of the game in the 60th minute to sneak past Alvernia University (9-7, 1-3), 1-0 Wednesday afternoon in Commonwealth Conference field hockey action at Schlager Memorial Field.

Both teams managed just a pair of shots each in the first half as the game remained scoreless at the halftime break.  Alvernia sophomore Abby Eby (New Holland, Pa./Garden Spot), who entered Wednesday's game with a 212 minutes shutout streak, stopped both Widener attempts in the first half.

The Pride turned up the offensive pressure early in the second half getting four shots and three of its six penalty corners in the first six minutes of the half.  The Pride missed the target on two of its efforts and had the other two blocked away by the Crusader defense.

The next five minutes belonged to the Crusaders as they rattled off three shots with one corner, but Widener goalie Megan Parcell knocked away both efforts that were on net.

Alvernia had another great chance on a shot by freshman Brittany Barcus (Atglen, Pa./Octorara) by it skipped just wide of the far post.

Widener generated pressure as the clock approached 10 minutes and had a shot from the top of the circle that Eby sprawled to save.  Natalie Gifford was able to collect the rebound and pushed it over Eby for her third of the season.

The Crusaders were able to push forward with a look at the equalizer, but couldn't connect.  The best chance on a corner when Sam Landis (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run) had a rip from the top of the circle that whistled wide.

Alvernia will travel to Lebanon Valley on Saturday.

Widener 1, Alvernia 0