BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (May 8, 2014) – Alvernia University (22-14) used two runs in the fourth inning to propel it to a 5-3 win over Penn State- Behrend (20-17) in the first round of ECACs.

Penn State took the early lead, going ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning on an RBI double to center field.

The Crusaders answered back in the bottom of the inning, plating three runs. Shannon Grim (Williamstown, NJ / Williamstown) opened the inning with a walk and safely advanced to second on Samantha Penk's (Lincroft, NJ / Middletown South) fielder's choice bunt. Brianna DePriest (Bechtelsville, Pa. / Boyertown Area) used a deep fly ball to center field to move up both runners, giving the Crusaders runners on second and third. With two outs, Brianna Kuhn (Elizabethtown, Pa. / Elizabethtown) singled up the middle, scoring Grim and Penk. Amanda Galanti (Red Bank, NJ / Marine Acad. Of Sci/Tech) followed with a single of her own, scoring Kuhn to put Alvernia up 3-1.

The Lions came back in the third, using a bloop single to left field to bring across two runs and tie the game up at three.

Alvernia was able to break the tie in the fourth and take the lead for good. With one out, Galanti singled through the left side to give the Crusaders a base runner. After moving up to second on a bunt by Taylor Faust (Kutztown, Pa. / Kutztown Area), Galanti scored on an RBI double by Aly Shilling (Blue Bell, Pa. / Christopher Dock). Five pitches later, Amanda Turner (New Hyde Park, NY / New Hyde Park) hit a double of her own, bringing in Shilling and giving Alvernia the 5-3 lead.
The Crusaders played strong defense throughout the rest of the game, allowing just three base runners over the next three innings.

Brittanie Wolfe (Pine Grove, Pa. / Pine Grove Area) picked up the complete game win on the mound, allowing nine hits and only one walk.

With the win, Alvernia advances to the ECAC South Championships. The four team, double elimination tournament will begin on Saturday at Misericordia University. Alvernia will play the winner of the first round game between McDaniel and Cabrini on Saturday at noon.