Reading, Pa (Apr. 1, 2015) - Alvernia University (5-4, 2-1) came up just short of Widener University (4-4, 2-1), falling to the Pride 17-12 in Commonwealth Conference play Wednesday night at Alvernia's Turf Field.

Widener took the early lead, going ahead 2-0 on back-to-back shots in the 27th minute. Alvernia followed suit shortly after, netting two of its own in the 25th minute as Abby McCarthy picked up her 16th and 17th goals of the season to tie the game 2-2. 

The Pride stepped up the pace, collecting four unanswered goals to pull ahead 6-2. The Crusaders remained close, shortening the gap 6-3 on a Julie Sutton goal. After Widener responded with two more, Candace Knight and Brooke Campione teamed up for a pair of goals to keep Alvernia within three at 8-5.

Alvernia would notch three more goals on the half, but could not keep the Pride at bay. Despite Knight and Tequila Donnelly finding the net close to the ten minute mark, Widener pushed forward in the last three minutes to go ahead 13-7. The Crusaders had the final say in the half though as Jacquelyn Strange buried her 19th of the season at the halftime buzzer to close the margin 13-8.

The Crusaders and the Pride matched up in the second half with both teams netting four. Angel Adams netted the first and last goals for the Crusaders in the half, while Strange and Samantha Marino split the other two.

Alvernia was evenly matched with Widener on the night, taking just one less shot than the Pride and outshooting them on goal 25-24. The Crusaders also led the Pride in draw controls 16-14.

Alvernia returns to action one week from today, hosting Albright in a cross-town Commonwealth Conference rivalry on Wednesday, April 8th. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.