BOX SCORE 

Reading, Pa. (Feb. 20, 2009) – The Alvernia University Women's Basketball team (16-8, 10-4) defeated visiting #18/19 Lebanon Valley (22-3, 12-2) this afternoon 70-59 in their last Commonwealth Conference regular season game behind 20 points from junior Kelly McIntyre (Orwigsburg, Pa./Blue Mountain). Alvernia has secured the #4 seed heading into the conference semi-finals, while Lebanon Valley retains their #1 seed. This was Alvernia's second straight win over a ranked team after defeating #16 Messiah on Thursday evening. Seniors Samone Gunn (Seat Pleasant, Md. CH Flowers) and Joanna Graber (Manalapan, NJ/Notre Dame) were honored prior to the game. 

After falling behind by six points early, the Crusaders battled back to take the three-point lead at 9:40 thanks to a lay-up from Angela Altemose (Pottsville, Pa./Nativity BVM). Alvernia would hold onto their slim lead through the remainder of the first half, building it to as much as seven before giving one back to lead 30-24 at the half. Altemose led all scorers in the first half with eight points. 

In the second half Alvernia took their lead and ran with it, increasing it to as much as 18 points after two free throws from Altemose at 5:20. The Dutchmen from Lebanon Valley closed the lead to nine at 3:10 before the Crusaders quickly took charge again and went on a 6-2 run in the final minutes of the game. 13 of McIntyre's 20 points came in the second half, while #Alexandra Velazquez added nine of her 15 in the second half. 

The Crusaders shot an impressive 48% from the floor, while the Dutchmen struggled going just 20-for-47 (28.2%). 

Alvernia will return to action as the face Lebanon Valley again on the road this time in the first round of Commonwealth Play-offs this Wednesday evening. 

Alvernia 70, Lebanon Valley 59