BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Apr. 14, 2009) - Eastern University (7-5, 5-2) used an 11-goal first half to jump out to a five-goal lead at the break and held the advantage through the second half in a 20-13 win over Alvernia University (7-5, 2-5) Tuesday afternoon in Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference women's lacrosse action at Sovereign Bank Sports Park.

The Eagles stormed out to a 4-0 lead in the first seven minutes of play prompting a timeout.  The Crusader offense regrouped and strung together a couple draw wins and netted three straight to pull within one at 4-3.  Eastern tallied to push the lead back to a pair, but Alvernia scored twice in a minute span to knot the game and prompt an Eastern timeout.

The Eagle stoppage had a similar effect setting the guests up for a string of six straight including one each from Grace Griffith and Jessie Basch who finished with seven and five respectively to lead the Eagles.  Alvernia scored the final goal of the half when freshman Sam Landis (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run) scored unassisted, but the Eagles enjoyed an 11-6 lead at the break.

Alvernia didn't get within five the rest of the way as Eastern had an answer for every score.

Sarah George (West Chester, Pa./West Chester Bayard Rustin) and Felicia Sippel (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Hubert) scored five each to lead the Crusader offense.  Alvernia freshman Jenn Czarnecki (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Hubert) played 42 minutes and made seven saves.  Her Eastern counterpart, Kim Campbell stopped 18 for the Eagles.

Alvernia will host Moravian College Thursday in a non-conference game.

Eastern 20, Alvernia 13