BOX SCORE

Union, N.J. (Nov. 16, 2013) - Freshman Margaret Wentzel (East Earl, Pa./Garden Spot) scored two goals--including the game-winner--to lead eighth-seeded Alvernia University (13-7) to a 3-2 win over #4 Kean University (15-5) Saturday afternoon in a semifinal of the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Championships hosted by Kean.

Wentzel scored at least two goals in a game for the sixth time this season and has been on a tear of late with 15 goals in her last seven games.  The Crusaders advance to the ECAC Final for the third time looking for their first title and will face #2 Stevens Institute of Technology at Kean on Sunday morning at 11.

Alvernia opened the scoring in the 14th minute when sophomore Melanie Lowry (Gap, Pa./Octorara) ripped home a shot from the top of the circle on a penalty corner.  The Cougars replied quickly with a goal in the 17th minute on a one-timer from Korri Thompson.

Wentzel scored both of her goals on breakaways.  First, in the 27th minute she was in on a long run by herself and put the Crusaders up 2-1 with her 19th goal of the season.  She followed with her 20th goal of the year 10 minutes into the second half faking out the Kean goalie on another 1-on-1.

Wentzel becomes the first player to score 20 goals in a season at Alvernia since all-time leading scorer Becky Macchione scored 22 goals in her senior year (2006).  Wentzel is the first freshman to score 20 in a season since Macchione (20) and classmate Megan Novogratz (21) reached the number in 2003.

Sunday's final will be the first meeting between Stevens IT and Alvernia.  The Ducks defeated #7 William Paterson, 4-0, in the quarterfinal and bettered #6 Delaware Valley, 3-1, in Saturday's other semifinal.

#8 Alvernia 3, #4 Kean 2