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BOX SCORE 3 Warwick, Pa (Nov. 22, 2015) . Alvernia University (6-9-2) was unable to pick up crucial ranking poitns in the Altantic Region, dropping two of three games in the 7
th annual Empire Classic Tournament, held over the weekend at the Rink at Warwick.
The Empire Classic, which has become the preview for the ACHA Atlantic Regional Tournament held in January, usually determines who will finish inside the Top 10 when the final rankings release on Feb. 7.
The Crusaders entered the tournament positioned in Pool D, which consisted of #7 Fredonia State, #9 Southern Connecticut State and unranked SUNY Maritime.
Alvernia opened with a rather convincing 7-3 win on Friday afternoon. The Crusaders, currently ranked 13
th, held the advantage on Maritime with
Dane Beilhart notching two goals to lead the offensive effort. Senior
James Bangar secured the goal cage, picking up the win.
Game two featured Fredonia State and marked the first time these two programs faced each other in their histories. The Blue Devils held a 3-2 lead heading into the first intermission and would never surrender the advantage. Alvernia's All Time Goal Scoring leader
Nico Delgiorno lit up the Fredonia net with four goals. The hat trick represents Delgiorno's 14
th career hat trick. Delgiorno also added two assists on the afternoon for a robust six pointer game.
The second line of Delgiorno,
Rick Vukovic and
Scott Dressler was collectively credited with ten points of offensive production. Senior
Rick Vukovic has been demonstrating textbook tip-drill goals with filthy hands, camping out around the opposition slot area. "Rick redirected a very deliberate pass – shot from the point off defenseman
Shane Palmer," Coach O'Connell noted. Palmer, a senior, recognized a clear passing lane and whistled a low shot that Vukovic deflected into the twine. Vukovic added two assists along with the lamp lighter.
Unfortunately, the high powered second line performance by the Crusaders was not enough to compete with Fredonia's nine goal outpouring. The Vern attempted to cut the lead in the third period to two goals at 8-6, but squandered a late two man advantage opportunity.
Alvernia, playing three straight early games, faced Southern Connecticut State on Sunday morning and were rudely greeted with a 9-1 rout. Alvernia's lone goal early in the period was once again a
Rick Vukovic sweet hands goals off the right circle shot from senior defenseman Brett Fernandes.
The Crusaders return to action on Tuesday, December 1st for a weekday "Hockey Bight at the Santander." They will take on No.8 Rowan University, with puck drop set for 8:00 p.m.
Alvernia All Time Offensive Stat Leaders "Chasing Greatness"
