BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Oct. 27, 2012) - The undefeated Farmingdale State College Rams (6-0) erased the Crusader's perfect 10-0 start this weekend with a hard fought 3-0 road win. The Rams avenged last year's devastating loss to the Vern in the regional semifinal game in February.  The teams currently should be the highest seeded next week when the ACHA Atlantic Regional rankings are released.
 
Farmingdale, who represent the Empire Conference of Atlantic Region have made the American College Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III National Tournament three of the last four seasons.  The Rams tradition of winning appears to be back on track after shutting down the Crusader offense and handing Alvernia their first home shutout loss in team history.
 
The opening period was an end-to-end scoreless stalemate with both teams exchanging quality chances with no success.  Farmingdale scored twice in the second period converting on special teams with one power play goal, and a late even-strength tally for a commanding 2-0 lead.  Alvernia goal tender Patrick Murray (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) played spectacular between the pipes facing 40 shots, repelling 37.  Farmingdale twice was granted a two-man advantage in the second period which was part of eight straight Alvernia penalties.  Skating short-handed for the better part of seven minutes from early in period two to the beginning stages of the final period, the Vern still managed to keep the game in reach.
 
The Crusaders had numerous high percentage scoring opportunities; however Ram freshman goaltender Bryan Clemens turned away all 36 shots he faced.  Clemens has now recorded two shutouts this past month, defeating Richard Stockton 4-0 earlier this month.
 
Alvernia had several individual standout performances, offensively Brian Callahan (Willow Grove, Pa./Upper Moreland) generated good shifts all night long with help from line mates Jim McKelvie (Hatfield, Pa./North Penn) and Lucien Staquet (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West).  Sophomore Anthony Galeano (Brooklyn, NY/St. Edmund Prep) continues to run quality shifts regardless of the game situation, playing on all the special team units, “Gally” has truly come of age as the premier defenseman anchoring the Alvernia blue line.
 
The Crusaders now prepare for next weekend's two game schedule with East Stroudsburg University on Saturday, and will return home to face the Atlantic Region's most dominant force - California University of Pennsylvania. The Vulcans have been to the Division III ACHA National Tournament six times over the last seven years, including winning the National Championship in 2008. Alvernia's only meeting with Cal. of Pa was in the 2010 Empire Classic which resulted in a 6-3 loss.