Reading, Pa. (Oct. 4, 2011) - Alvernia University (3-1) swept a non-conference men's tennis match 9-0 at Penn State-Berks (1-3) Tuesday afternoon.

The Crusaders set the tone with 4, 4, and 5 wins in doubles play then continued the run winning in straight sets in five of six singles matches.

"It was great to see our team at full strength for the first time this season," said Alvernia head coach Larry Zerbe.  The efforts of Kevin Brandt (Sodus, N.Y./Sodus Central) and Will Gerber (Baltimore, Md./Archbishop Curley) [6-4, 6-2 and 7-5, 7-5 at No. 5 and 2 singles respectively] highlighted the win and the effort of Nate Bauer (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) [5-0, ret. at No. 1 singles] really set the tone."

"One of our short term goals this season is to be the best team in Berks County," continued Zerbe.

The Crusaders are off to a great start with Tuesday's shutout of Berks, but will have to wait until the spring schedule to face crosstown and conference rival Albright.

Alvernia will compete in this weekend's Middle Atlantic Conference Individual Tournament.

Alvernia University 9, Penn State Berks 0

 Singles competition
1. Nate Bauer (ALVMT) def. Steven Roughton (PSBM1112) 5-0, retired
2. Dan Minnich (ALVMT) def. Matt Holdorf (PSBM1112) 7-5, 3-6, 11-9
3. Will Gerber (ALVMT) def. Jordan Shankroff (PSBM1112) 7-5, 7-5
4. Zach Marsar (ALVMT) def. Josh Konz (PSBM1112) 6-1, 6-2
5. Kevin Brandt (ALVMT) def. Owen Shartle (PSBM1112) 6-4, 6-2
6. Ryan Ludwig (ALVMT) def. Matthew Wise (PSBM1112) 6-0, 6-1

 Doubles competition
1. Nate Bauer/Dan Minnich (ALVMT) def. Steven Roughton/Matt Holdorf (PSBM1112) 8-4
2. Will Gerber/Zach Marsar (ALVMT) def. Jordan Shankroff/Bradley Kale (PSBM1112) 8-4
3. Kevin Brandt/Ryan Ludwig (ALVMT) def. Josh Konz/Owen Shartle (PSBM1112) 8-5

Match Notes:
Alvernia University 3-1
Penn State Berks 1-3
Non-conference match.
T-2:30  A-35