BOX SCORE Reading,Pa ( Nov. 1 2013 ) – Alvernia University ( 9-2-1 ) nipped University of Delaware on Friday night 7-6 in Ice Hockey action at The Body Zone. The win kept the Vern's win streak intact at five games.

The persistent Blue Hens hung around all night long, twice nearly erasing three-goal deficits only to have the rally spoiled by Crusader sophomore Nico Delgiorno's ( Columbia, Pa / Hempfield HS ) outstanding offensive performance.

The Vern opened the scoring at the 7:09 mark of the opening period as Jimmy McKelvie ( Hatfield, Pa / North Penn HS ) slid a pass from behind the goal line to Brian Callahan ( Willow Grove, Pa / Upper Moreland HS ) who pushed the puck over the goal line. The Blue Hens abruptly ended the Vern's 1-0 lead with two quick strikes in a three-minute span. Delaware clung to a 2-1 lead and with just over five minutes remaining in the first period Delgiorno connected with the game-tying goal.

The Crusaders were the beneficiaries of a five-minute major power play in the opening minutes of the second period. Delgiorno and special team unit made quick work of the advantage nailing home three goals. Delgiorno earned his second hat trick of the season during the power play with two lamp-lighters giving the Vern a comfortable 5-2 lead.

Additionally sophomore Sean Mullen ( Lincoln University / Oxford HS )  continued his special team prowess with yet another power play winner. 
Delgiorno's fourth goal came midway thru the final period handing the Crusaders a 7-4 lead. Delgiorno's goal scoring extravaganza brings him to a team leading 19 goals on the season and credited once again with the game-winning goal. 

Not to be forgotten in the barrage of goals included a beautiful unassisted undressing of the Blue Hens' defense off McKelvie's medley of moves thru the face office circles across the high slot. McKelvie intercepted a turnover and proceeded to mesmerize the Delaware defense dangling around one defender in full stride while finishing on a forehand-to-backhand move gently sliding the puck into the low near nearside cage.

Although not apparent on the score sheet, the line of Robert Savastano (Sewell, NJ / Clearview HS ) , Frank Sabato ( Hammonton, NJ / St. Joseph HS ) and Alex Harris ( Avon Lake, OH / Bay HS ) injected life into the game during some critical moments. The trio produced scoring opportunities, timely hits, and fine corner work.

Sabato has been instrumental in winning key face off draws, an often unheralded skill.  Senior Savastano creating good offensive thrusts knocking on the doorstep couldn't quite get the lamp to light.  Harris balanced off the "hard hat" line with tireless muck and grinding.

Crusader goaltender Mike Durofchalk ( Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West ) picked up the "w" facing 33 shots managing 27 saves. Offensively the Vern fired 57 shots.

Alvernia 7, Delaware 6