BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 23, 2009) - Franklin & Marshall College (5-1) jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held off the Alvernia University (4-2) comeback in a 3-2 win Wednesday afternoon in non-conference field hockey action at Schlager Memorial Field.

The loss snaps a four game win streak for the Crusaders who travel to national #1 Messiah College on Saturday to open the Commonwealth Conference schedule.

The Diplomats scored in the 14th and 31st minutes to establish the early lead and kept the Crusaders off the board despite facing consistent pressure for the balance of the opening half.  Alvernia finished with a decided advantage in penalty corners doubling the Diplomats 16-8 in the final line, and finally broke through in the final minute of the half when Ashley Tatangelo (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) scored her second goal of the season.

The Crusaders earned their eighth and final penalty corner of the first half just as the horn sounded, but couldn't get the ball on net to find the equalizer and hit the break down 2-1.

F&M stretched the advantage back to two goals on a penalty stroke five minutes into the second half.  Sophomore goalie Abby Eby (New Holland, Pa./Garden Spot) charged off her line to challenge a breakaway, but missed the ball and got all of the legs taking out the Diplomat attacker.  Eby got stick and glove on the stroke attempt, but it had just enough steam to cross the line.

Alvernia continued to press getting the equalizer with just better than 15 minutes to play when Janelle Lynch (Macungie, Pa./Brandywine Heights) set up Sam Landis (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run) for her fourth goal of the season, but the Crusaders couldn't find the equalizer.

After starting the season 1-1 on the road the Crusaders have been at home for the last four games putting together a 3-1 record at Schlager Field.

Following Saturday's game at Messiah, the Crusaders will be back home for a 7:00 game next Tuesday night against William Paterson.

F&M 3, Alvernia 2