Reading, Pa. (Oct. 15, 2015) - Alvernia University (12-12, 3-2) defeated Lycoming College (15-8, 2-5) in a five-set match Middle Athletic Conference Commonwealth women's volleyball showdown at the Physical Education Center.

Kristen Sipling dominated Lycoming with a total of 19 kills while McKenna Achenbach led the defensive front with four total blocks, two of which were decisive in the last points of third set.

Lycoming won the first set with a score of 25-14. Laura Wachowicz led the charge for Alvernia in kills with five total in the first set.

The second set was close with neither team holding more than a three-point lead at any point. The Crusaders were able to pull ahead 27-25 to win the second set. Sipling had a total of six kills and Lauren Snyder had 12 assists to lead the Crusaders to victory in a tight second set.

Alvernia pulled ahead mid-set in the third overcoming the Warriors 25-19 to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Achenbach's defense was key for the Crusaders in the final serves of the set.

"I didn't put [Achenbach] in the first game and then she went in the second game and just tore it up," said Alvernia head coach Kelly Nicodemus. "McKenna really set the tone when she got that block off the second ball in the middle of that third set."

The Crusaders held the lead throughout most of the fourth set.  They held a 22-19 before Lycoming put together a run to cap off a 25-23 win that forced the fifth and deciding set.

Alvernia dominated throughout the final set to overcome the Warriors 15-8.

Alvernia continues the conference schedule next Wednesday at Widener.

Alvernia 3, Lycoming 2