Reading, Pa. (Mar. 25, 2015) - An eight goal first half helped lead Alvernia University (4-2, 1-0) to a 12-10 win over Arcadia University (7-2, 0-1) Wednesday afternoon on Alvernia's Turf Field in Commonwealth Conference action.

The Crusaders came out aggressive, scoring seven unanswered goals in just the first ten minutes of play. Angel Adams got things started for Alvernia, netting two in two minutes. Brooke Campione tacked on Alvernia's third, with Candace Knight following Adams' lead and driving in three consecutive goals for the 6-0 lead. Adams then continued what she started, picking up her third of the day for the 7-0 lead.

The Knights would not go down easy, responding to the Crusader run with five unanswered goals of their own to cut the Alvernia lead 7-5 with five minutes left in the first. 

Alvernia would find the goal once more before the end of the half, extending its lead 8-5 on a Jacquelyn Strange goal off the pass from Abby McCarthy.

Arcadia would start the scoring the second half, cutting the Crusader lead down to one at 8-7 on two unassisted goals. Alvernia followed up with two goals of its own, both off the stick of Strange. In the 21st minute, Strange used assists from McCarthy and Megan Wanner to collect her 11th and 12th goals on the season and put the Crusaders ahead 10-7.

The Knights did not settle though, finding the net twice midway through the half to come within one at 10-9. Strange went at it again though, this time using a set up from Adams to take the 11-9 advantage. 

Arcadia would make one last effort to catch the Crusaders, cutting down the Alvernia lead to 11-10 with eight minutes left in the half. '

'Alvernia added insurance though before the end of the half as Strange scored her fifth of the day to solidify the 12-10 victory.

Leading scorers for the Crusaders included Strange with five, and Knight and Adams with three. McCarthy added three assists for Alvernia.  

Colleen Reilly picked up the win in the net, making 15 saves on the day. 

The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, traveling to Lebanon Valley College for conference play at 1:00.