BOX SCORE

Swarthmore, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2009) - Swarthmore College (1-0), the two-time defending ECAC South Region Champions, netted a goal off a deflection late in the first half and tallied the game-winner with under 10 minutes to play in a 2-1 win over Alvernia University (0-1) Tuesday evening in non-conference women's soccer action at Clothier Field.

Alvernia opened the scoring when sophomore Kate Wimberg (Galloway, N.J./Sacred Heart) knocked home a header in the 14th minute on the Crusaders lone corner attempt of the night.  Junior goalie Kirsten Kelley (Kirkwood, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) kept the Garnet Tide off the scoreboard with a few point blank saves in the first half and the hosts needed a deflection off the Alvernia defense to net the equalizer just 74 seconds before the break.

Swarthmore kept consistent pressure on Kelley and needed a cross to a header to beat her for the game-winner in the 82nd minute as Kelsey Cline scored assisted by Hannah Purkey.  Kelley finished with seven saves for the Crusaders.

Swarthmore finished with a 24-4 advantage in shots on a chilly September evening in front of 140 faithful.

Alvernia returns home to host the second annual Crusader Cup this weekend.  Rutgers-Camden will face off against Dickinson in Friday's opener while the Crusaders do battle with Gwynedd-Mercy in game two.

Swarthmore 2, Alvernia 1