BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (November 24, 2009) - Alvernia University (2-1) got 15 points and 11 rebounds from sophomore Angela Altemose (Pottsville, Pa./Nativity) as they defeated Juniata College (2-2) this evening in the Crusader's home opener.  Despite Juniata leading for most of the first half, Alvernia built their lead to as much as 16 in the second half.

The first half was an evenly fought affair with neither team leading by more than four points at any point.  The Crusaders came out strong taking the brief four-point lead at 16:50 after four free throws, but their lead dwindled as a three-pointer from Natalie Ginsky put Juniata up by one at 11:43.  The visiting Eagles held onto the lead until Altemose connected for two free throws to give the Crusaders the two point lead at 1:54.  Juniata tied up the game for the fourth time with 26 seconds left, before Alex Velazquez (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Central) hit a jumper with 21 seconds left to give Alvernia the two point lead heading into the half.

In the second half Alvernia would hold onto the lead for the entire half and build it to as much as 16 after some more free throws from Altemose at 3:25.  Velazquez kick started the Crusaders, scoring 16 out of her 21 points in the second half.  The Eagles staged a brief comeback in the form of a late-game 10-2 run, but they ran out of time as Alvernia held onto a six point lead for the win.

Velazquez led all scorers with 21 points while Altemose recorded her second double-double in three games this season.  Juniata was led by Glinsky who put up 18 and Brittany Danel who added 12 points and four rebounds.

The Crusaders will return to action after Thanksgiving break when they travel to Elizabethtown on December 2nd to open their Commonwealth Conference play at 6:00pm.

Alvernia 77, Juniata 71