BOX SCORE


Reading, Pa. (Oct. 13, 2012) - On Saturday afternoon Alvernia University (7-6-2, 1-3-1) defeated Commonwealth Conference rival Widener University (5-7-1, 2-3) in women's soccer action at Schlager Memorial Field by a 2-1 score.



In the 31st minute, Widener midfielder Kelly Buckley was able to score the game's first goal off a corner kick. Buckley tallied eight of the Prides' 17 shots on the day.



After the Pride goal, the Crusaders entered the half trailing by one. In the second period, junior Katelyn Gill (State College, Pa/State College Area) found her sister Kelsey Gill (State College, Pa/State College Area) in front of the net. Kelsey Gill dribbled once before firing the ball past the Widener keeper to even the score at 1-1.



In the 64th minute, junior Bridget Verdel (Hamilton Square, N.J./Notre Dame) scored her team high ninth goal of the season to give the Crusaders the lead.



Facing their first deficit of the day, Widener pushed all its players up and attacked the goal for the remainder of the game. Even Widener goal keeper, Vanessa Hejnas, was called on to apply offensive pressure up field for the Pride.



Under heavy fire, Alvernia's goalie Coleen Maher (Wall, NJ/Wall Township) stepped up by making a spectacular diving save where she laid out to stop the ball inches from the goal line. Hillary Prozzillo (Swedesboro, N.J./Bishop Eustace Prep) helped out her keeper by making a crucial defensive stop inside the box. Maher finished with nine saves.



The Crusaders clung on to their lead and were able to secure the come from behind victory on their home field.



They return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Arcadia.



Alvernia 2, Widener 1