BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2 Reading, Pa. (Nov. 18, 2014) - Alvernia University (11-3-1) played to 4-2 twice over the weekend, falling to Rowan University on Saturday before defeating the University of Delaware at home on Sunday.
 
In Saturday's contest, the Crusaders battled back from an early 2-0 deficit with offensive goals in the first and second period. With the help of Scott Dressler, Dustin Stuck tallied a power play goal at 5:14 to close the gap 2-1. Jimmy McKelvie then scored the only goal of the second period to tie the game 2-2. Rowan was strong in the third period though, netting two for the win.

Patrick Murray was credited with the loss in the pipes for Alvernia against Rowan but was solid facing 36 shots.

The Crusaders quickly bounced back, finishing on the winning side of the 4-2 game Sunday against University of Delaware.

Alvernia held a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period, collecting goals from Nico Delgiorno and Dane Beilhart. The Blue Hens netted their first goal of the night in the second period, but McKelvie notched the game winner with a right circle slap shot for the 3-1 advantage. Delaware would come within one in the third period, but Dustin Moshensky added insurance with his 2nd goal of the season for the 4-2 victory.

Mike Durofchak played solid in the cage facing 29 shots with 27 saves picking up the win in goal for Alvernia vs. University of Delaware
 
Not seen on the scoresheet has been the consistent exceptional play of defenseman Brett Fernandes. Fernandes has been anchoring the Alvernia blue line all season long and has been the Vern's toughest defenseman without question. Fernandes has been a stalwart both on the offensive blue line holding pucks in the zone and stingy holding the all important defensive blue line allowing little time and space for opponents. Particularly impressive has been Fernandes quick ability to escape behind his own cage under heavy forechecking pressure. Brett also quarterbacks the second unit of the power play which has proved equally effective as the top line special team unit. Fernandes has been flexible easily adjusting to a variety of defensive pairings making everyone around him better. Generally overlooked his textbook style defense is a clinic in gapping, angling and timely poke checking. A full arsenal of defensive weapons, seldom is Fernandes skating off shifts following opposition goals.

The Crusaders go back at it this weekend, competing in the Empire Classic Tournament in Hatfield, PA. Alvernia will open Friday against Robert Morris University, taking the ice at 3:30 pm.