BOX SCORE

Dallas, Pa. (May 11, 2014) – Alvernia University (26-15) defeated Misericordia University (25-17) Sunday morning to advance to the ECAC South final. With the 5-2 victory, the Crusaders will face McDaniel College in the Championship game.

Alvernia got on the board first, pushing across two runs in the top half of third. With two outs, Samantha Penk (Lincroft, NJ / Middletown South) beat out a bunt to give the Crusaders a base runner. Aly Shilling (Blue Bell, Pa. / Christopher Dock) then ripped a double down the left field line to put herself and Penk in scoring position. Amanda Turner (New Hyde Park, NY / New Hyde Park) followed Shilling, ripping a double of her own to right center, to plate both runners and take the 2-0 lead.

The Crusaders added some insurance in the fifth, increasing the lead to 5-0. With Penk on base, Shilling struck again, sending a two run blast to left center. Turner continued to mirror Shilling, hitting a solo homerun for the third run of the inning.

Misericordia threatened in the seventh, cutting down Alvernia's lead 5-2. The Cougars used a double and back-to-back singles to plate two runs. However, the Crusaders were able to close out Misericordia and seal the win.

Brittanie Wolfe (Pine Grove, Pa. / Pine Grove Area) collected the win in the circle, allowing just eight hits in seven innings of work.

The Crusaders, who have one loss in the tournament, will need to defeat McDaniel twice to claim the ECAC South title.