BOX SCORE BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2011) - Freshman Kristen Eckert (Oradell, N.J./River Dell Regional) scored the first goal of her career on a free kick in the 74th minute and it proved a game-winner for Alvernia University (4-2) in a 2-1 decision over Catholic University (3-3) Saturday afternoon in women's soccer action at Schlager Memorial Field.

Both teams scored a goal in the first half and Eckert took the free kick and ripped it off the bottom of the crossbar and in behind the goalie for the go-ahead goal.  Freshman Jamie Dearie (Easton, Pa./Notre Dame Green Pond) made three saves to record her first career win.

"It was a truly a team effort by the back line," said Alvernia head coach Bill Bonewitz, "especially from Katie Hummel (Andreas, Pa./Tamaqua Area) and Katelyn Gill (State College, Pa./State College Area).  They worked very well together to keep any shots coming from outside the box."

Alvernia opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Karli Nestor (Bally, Pa./Boyertown) put in her own rebound.  She received a serve from the outside and put a header on net, but it was denied by the Catholic keeper.  She followed it up to net her second goal of the season.

Catholic answered just three minutes later on a goal from Kate Masson and the score remained tied until Eckert's free kick.

Alvernia continues the non-conference slate when it hosts FDU-Florham Tuesday night at 7:00.

Alvernia 2, Catholic 1