BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Nov. 8, 2015) -  Empire Conference powerhouse Farmingdale State (10-2-0) managed to survive a memorable Alvernia University (5-6-2) comeback, narrowly escaping with a 5-4 overtime win on Saturday evening at BodyZone.

The Crusaders rallied from a 4-1 deficit to score three unanswered goals to push the Rams to the brink in a fast and furious overtime period. Farmingdale scored with 1:06 remaining in the bonus time. The game also featured memorable milestones, with two Alvernia seniors reaching personal bests and club records. 
 
The Vern, struggling to get back to former glory in the ACHA Atlantic Region, may have taken a huge step towards a respectable positioning as the first rankings release on Friday, November 12th. Despite falling into an early three goal hole, the Crusaders found life midway thru the second period to turn the tables. Alvernia seniors Nico Delgiorno and Brian Callahan tallied lamp lighters in less than a minute to change the complexion of the contest and pull the Vern within one at 4-3. Delgiorno's goal stands as his 100^th career goal, with the Crusaders establishing a new mark with each lamp lighter. Saturday's contest also represented senior Brian Callahan's 112th career game played, tying him with former long time teammate and alum Jimmy McKelvie.
 
Delgiorno connected again early in the third period to tie the game. The balance of the game featured exceptional goaltending on both ends, with Vern net minder Mike Durofchak facing 42 shots on the night, including eleven in the final frame. Durofchak, who was outstanding all night, surrendered only two even strength goals, with the Rams cashing in on two power plays.

Alvernia put together a strong attempt in the final minutes as Captain Scott Dressler had the puck on his stick on a tight contested break away with less than two minutes in regulation. A great personal effort flanked by a back checking defenseman, Dressler was jammed up and stuffed a shot in the Ram goaltender's bread basket.
 
The overtime was evenly matched, however the Rams caught the Vern scrambling late in the extra time and Farmingdale forward Albert Markopolus tallied the game winner.
 
Offensive accolades included freshman defenseman Kevin Duggan, scoring his first collegiate goal. Duggan, facing off against familiar foes from Long Island, gave more satisfaction tallying against several teammates from his travel hockey days with the Arrows hockey organization.

Senior Rick Vukovic added two helpers on the evening.

The Crusaders are back in action again on Saturday, hosting DVCHC rival Stockton University at Bodyzone. Puck drop is set for 8:00 pm.

 
Alvernia All Time Offensive Stat Leaders
               "Chasing Greatness"
 

Player	GP	Goals	Assists	Total
Jim McKelvie  ( 2015 Grad )	112	92	114	206
Nico Delgiorno  (  active )	81	103	78	181
Brian Callahan  (  active )	113	73	98	171

 
NOTE -  Stats include Sunday Nov. 8^th 9-2 win vs. Bucknell University