Reading, Pa. (Oct. 25, 2014) - Alvernia University (10-7, 4-2) scored two goals per half to blank #14 Lebanon Valley College (14-2, 5-1) in a 4-0 victory in Commonwealth Conference action Saturday afternoon.

The Crusaders utilized the same play to notch both goals in the first half. In the 15^th minute, Alvernia executed a crisp corner play to take a 1-0 advantage.  Melanie Lowry passed off a strong insert from Summer Liberto to Margaret Wenztel on the left post, who ripped her shot across the goal into the lower right corner. Alvernia found the same set up successful in the 33rd minute, taking a 2-0 lead going into the half on a mirror play.
 
The Crusaders did not settle though, attacking early in the second half. Just 43 seconds into play, Alvernia stretched out its lead 3-0 as Hailey Knowlton dropped a short pass to Natalie Messaros on the right post, who drove her sixth goal of the season into the back wall.
 
Three was not enough for Alvernia, however, as it added a fourth goal in the 59^th minute. With just the goalie in front of her, Wentzel struck again, this time launching the hat-trick from the top of the circle to the lower left corner of the goal. Wentzel currently leads the conference in goals by two with 21 total goals, and total points by six with 50.
 
Alvernia outshot Lebanon Valley 14-6, despite LVC having the slight 13-12 advantage in corners. The Crusaders hand LVC its second loss and first shutout of the season.  The Crusaders are also the first team to post four goals against the Dutchmen.
 
Senior Erin Wunsch earned the win in goal, securing four saves on the day.
 
Alvernia is now one game shy of the final spot in the Conference Tournament. The Crusaders will look to punch their ticket on Tuesday, traveling to Widener University for a 6:00 start in their final conference competition of the season.