BOX SCORE BOX SCORE | PHOTOS

Reading, Pa. (Aug. 31, 2012) - Junior Rachel Gimber (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown) scored midway through the first half and junior Kelsey Gill (State College, Pa./State College Area) added insurance midway through the second as Alvernia University (1-0) easily handled Gwynedd-Mercy College (0-1) by a score of 2-0 in the opening game of the Fifth Annual Crusader Classic Women's Soccer Tournament at Schlager Memorial Field.

Gimber cleaned up a corner kick in the 23rd minute with a well-placed shot inside the far post to put the Crusaders on the board, and junior Bridget Verdel (Hamilton Square, N.J./Notre Dame) set Gill up with a beautful cross inside the box that left the GMC keeper with no chance.

Alvernia senior Colleen Maher (Wall, N.J./Wall Township) made three saves to start the season with a shutout.

"At certain times we played real well," said Alvernia head coach Bill Bonewitz.  "When we wanted to, we really dominated.  Plus, it was really nice to get a few subs in today."

The Crusaders brought six players off the bench in Friday's season opener--four of who were making collegiate debut.

"We definitely have to improve tomorrow," finished Bonewitz.  "The competition gets a little stiffer.  Then everywhere we move on from here we'll see tougher and tougher teams."

The Crusaders advance to the Championship game of the Classic at 4:00 Saturday and will await the winner of the York (Pa.) / Ursinus game.  GMC will face the loser in the Consolation game.

Alvernia 2, Gwynedd-Mercy 0