BOX SCORE | PHOTOS

Reading, Pa. (Nov. 17, 2010) - Alvernia University (1-0) had three freshmen score in double figures and junior Allie Toczylowski (Mantua, N.J./Clearview Regional) added a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards as the Crusaders opened the season with a 73-61 win over Moravian College (0-2) Wednesday evening in non-conference women's basketball action at the Physical Education Center.

"The key to the game was Kerri Weber (Sicklerville, N.J./Paul VI) in the first half keeping us in the game," admitted Alvernia head coach Kevin Calabria.

It was an admission that caught a seasoned coach by surprise as the play of first-years Weber, Shanaye Glenn (Coatesville, Pa./The Hill School), and Brittany Young (Columbus, N.J./North Burlington) forced a change in the game plan.

"I thought early in the game we could establish ourselves inside, and that kinda broke down.  Then in the second half with about 10 minutes to go we decided to just let them run."

It was that decision to run that led to the game's deciding run as the Crusaders put together a 15-7 streak over a four-minute span that pushed a 42-40 lead to a 57-47 advantage with six minutes to play.

Young and Weber started the run with back-to-back layups and freshman Melissa Gianotti (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomssing) added her only bucket of the game.  The Greyhounds cut the lead down to three, but Glenn scored twice in the paint and junior Julie Hahn (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) nailed a 3 to help the hosts reach a double-digit lead.

"I think they're very, very quick," said Calabria, speaking in general terms about his freshman class.  "Are they talented?  Yeah.  But they're really fast and a couple of them can shoot."

The shooting was going to be in question entering the season with returning all-conference guard Kelli McIntyre being called into active duty for the Army Reserve just a few weeks ago.  The team wears camouflage shooting shirts for warm ups with their number and McIntyre's name across the back as a reminder of their teammate's new role.

Calabria admits to putting Glenn in McIntyre's spot in a few offensive sets, but an 0-for-5 first half Wednesday had him rethinking that decision.  After the halftime pep talk Glenn finished a number of athletic moves and posted 11 points -- all in the second half -- on 5-for-13 shooting.  She caught up to coach after the game and asked, "What did you think of that second half."

The coach's comfortable laugh said it all.  One game out of 25 is a small sample size from which to make a season's projections, and a good 10 minutes even less so, but the first step was promising.  Surprising, yes, but promising none the less.

The season continues Saturday when Alvernia plays Washington College at the Stevens Tip-Off Tournament.

Alvernia 73, Moravian 61