Reading, Pa. (Nov. 5, 2014) - Second-seeded Alvernia University (13-7) scored a pair of second-half goals in a 2-1 win over #3 Lebanon Valley College (14-4) Wednesday evening in a Commonwealth Conference Semifinal at Alvernia.

"It was just a great win," said Alvernia head coach Laura Gingrich after the win.  "We knew that they would be coming out with everything they had after we beat them 4-0.  [The girls] play up when they know it really counts.  They seem to really shine when they play tough opponents."

Alvernia battled back from a deficit after the Dutchmen opened the scoring in the 24th minute on a penatly stroke from senior Lauren Brumbach.  Alvernia senior goalie Erin Wunsch made a strong effort to her right, but Brumbach's stroke found the side netting halfway up the cage.

Wunsch turned away all six shots she faced during the course of play to earn the win.

The Crusaders discussed a minor adjustment at the half to support the forward line into the attacking third and it produced their first corner of the game eight minutes into the second half.  The first corner didn't result in a score, but the second one--10 minutes later--tied the game at 1-1 when Natalie Messaros lifted a shot from the edge of the circle over LVC goalie Kendra Moll.

Two minutes later the Alvernia offense generated another corner and this time freshman Paige Epler cashed in her second of the season.  Melanie Lowry had the initial shot from the top of the circle and Epler was in the right place at the right time to clean up the rebound.

"It was pretty much all just a blur," said Epler.  "I just got to my spot and had my feet ready.  My responsibility is to be off the pads of the goalie and to get the ball in the net."

And that's exactly what she did.

The Dutchmen took their timeout after the goal and generated their own pressure off the restart.  Wunsch made three saves over the next five minutes and the Dutchmen earned five corners over a three minute span, but couldn't cash in.

Alvernia was able to keep the possession in the offensive half of the field for much of the final five minutes with one final shot from Lowry missing wide left with 15 seconds to play.

The final horn signaled the Crusaders return to the final for the first time since the 2011 season and the first time since joining the MAC that the Crusaders will host the Field Hockey Final.  Alvernia hosted two Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Finals (2005, 2007)--both against Eastern University--winning the first 4-3 in overtime and the second in penalty strokes.

Alvernia is now 5-12 in the series against Lebanon Valley, but has now won three straight and four of the last six--including two Commonwealth Semifinals (2011, 2014).

The Crusaders will host #4 Messiah College in the Commonwealth Final on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.  The Falcons knocked off top-seeded Arcadia 3-0 in the other semfinal.