Dallas, Pa. (Nov. 18, 2015) - Senior guard Stevie Fortna scored a game-high 18 points and junior Tyra Roberts added 16 as Alvernia University (1-0) defeated Misericordia University (1-2) 76-72 Wednesday evening in non-conference women's basketball at The Anderson Center giving head coach Sheila Cook a win in her coaching debut.

The Crusaders--playing in a four-quarter game for the first time--won each of the first three quarters then held on as the Cougars pulled within two points in the final minute.

"I have been waiting for tonight since my first practice as an college assistant coach," said Cook after the game.  "I'm really proud of how my stayed positive down the stretch. It feels great to win."

Alvernia held a nine-point lead, 72-63 with 1:42 to play after a layup from Roberts, but Misericordia scored five points in the next 20 seconds to cut the gap to four.  The Crusaders committed a turnover with 40 seconds to play that led to a fast break layup for the hosts who pulled within two points, 74-72.  Jenna Wolff, who finished with 10 points, hit a pair of free throws and the Cougars missed two shots in the final 15 seconds.

"We have done a lot of time and score situations at practices and in our scrimmages so the team was prepared," said Cook.  "I was impressed by our ability to stay composed as Misericordia did a great job fighting back and chipping away at our lead.  Jenna Wolff knocking down her free throws down the stretch was huge for us. She is always so composed in practice so it was great to see that carry over into the game." 

Fortna opened the scoring with a 3 pointer and the Crusaders led wire-to-wire.  She hit each of her first three 3s and finished the night 4-of-7 from the arc.

Misericordia pulled within two points, 34-32 with just under two minutes left before halftime, but Logan Focht scored on a jumper and Fortna knocked down a 3 to give Alvernia a 39-32 lead at the break.

The lead was back down to two points early in the third quarter, but Alvernia quickly pushed it back to a two-possession lead then up to eight points 57-49 after three.

Focht finished the game with nine points and nine assists.  Misericordia got a game-high 18 points from Liz Waleski.

Alvernia heads to the Oswego State Tournament this weekend and tips off against Houghton College on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Alvernia 76, Misericordia 72