BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Nov. 4, 2012) - The reigning ACHA Division III Atlantic Region #1 California University of Pennsylvania (7-1) dealt a crushing blow to the Crusaders late Sunday afternoon with a smash-mouth win.  The Vulcan's finished a two-game road trip to southeastern Pennsylvania bouncing both Neumann University 3-0 and culminated with the 8-1 clobbering of Alvernia.
 
The Crusader's, hosting the Cal. of Pa. Vulcan's for the first time in club history, were anticipating an opportunity to showcase the strong season to date, unfortunately Sunday afternoon was a “house of horrors” and a one-sided affair.  The game's finale was foreshadowed early as Alvernia was sent directly to the box to start the game for an obvious slew foot of the Vulcan's net minder just sixteen seconds into the contest.  As expected, Cal systematically worked the power play like a well oiled machine converting for a 1-0 lead.  Local product freshman Mike Marconi cashed in the man-advantage goal for the Vulcan's.
 
The first period settled in somewhat with both teams exchanging good offensive spurts. California received the better results at the 9:26 mark of the period as they slipped behind the Alvernia defense with a long stretch pass up the center of the ice.  The Vulcan forward had clear sailing in the Alvernia neutral zone, creating an uncontested breakaway finishing low glove side inside the left post.  The 2-0 lead would prove all but enough margin of victory for the Vulcan's as the game eventually dictated the final result.  Alvernia did manage to score a late power play goal at the 2:15 mark of the opening period off the stick of Eric Pawlick (Cranford, NJ/Cranford HS). Pawlick's sixth goal of the season was aided by the strong effort from Kyle Kopervas (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) who picked up the assist.
 
California never allowed the Vern to draw a step closer than 2-1 while completely diminishing any thoughts of a close game with three goals in the second period and a commanding 5-1 lead.  Patrick Murray (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) started the contest in goal for Alvernia facing 31 shots.  Murray was replaced midway through the third period by James Bangar (Whittier, Ca./La Mirada.  Bangar played solidly allowing one goal while facing 11 shots.  The freshman goaltender actually kept the game from snowballing away, facing an offensive onslaught by the Vulcans which included a five-minute Vern disadvantage coupled with a short 5-on-3 situation.
 
Alvernia will await the first ranking period in the Atlantic Region released on Thursday afternoon.  Early projections could have the Vern as low as #4 in the Atlantic. Next weekend features home games versus two opponents that are new to the Crusader schedule, Penn State Altoona and Rowan University.