BOX SCORE BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 19, 2012) - On Wednesday afternoon the Alvernia University field hockey team (3-4) was defeated by the Eastern University Eagles (4-2) by a score of 2-0.

Alvernia's best offensive chance of the first half came on a lob shot by senior Erin Solley (Reading Pa/Oley Valley) that sailed just wide of the net. Sophomore goalie Erin Wunsch (West Lawn, Pa/Wilson) made seven saves in the first half to keep the score even.

After the intermission, Eagles forward Lauren Gay buried a short pass in the back of the net for the game's first goal.  Jess Jaindl hustled down a ball about to cross the end line and threw it across the front of the cage where Gay finished.

Later in the half another shot got passed Wunsch but Nikki Wessner (Hamburg, Pa/Hamburg Area High) was able to stretch out and prevent the ball from crossing the line. Following Wessner's defensive save, senior Brittany Barcus (Atglen, Pa/Octorara) broke away on the other end of the field and was awared a penalty stroke when an Eastern defender stopped the ball in front of the cage with her body. Barcus's shot was aimed at the upper left corner of the net but the Eagles net minder was able to get the tip of her stick on the ball as it deflected just above the crossbar.

Eastern's second goal came on a breakaway from Kaycie Andrew where the ball skipped passed Wusch and into the cage.

Solley was able to prevent the Eagles third goal on an outstanding play where she smacked down a ball that was bound for the net.

The Crusaders offense never found it's rhythm as they tallied just 13 shots to Eastern's 20. Eastern's defense did well to break up each scoring chance and turned away the Alvernia attack all afternoon.

With the loss Alvernia falls to 3-4 on the year. The Crusaders return to action on Saturday when they take on conference rival Lebanon Valley at home.

Eastern 2, Alvernia 0