Reading, Pa. (Apr. 28, 2015) - Alvernia University (18-15-1) took two from Penn State Berks (16-12) as the Crusaders won 9-8 and 12-1 in nonconference action Tuesday on the road.

In the opener, the Crusaders were aggressive early. Recently named Player of the Year Brianna DePriest opened the inning with double and moved up to third on the sacrifice by Taylor Malinish. With two outs, Shannon Grim kept the inning going by singling to left to plate DePriest. Felicia McKenna then made the most of her opportunity at the plate, knocking a two run shot to left to give Alvernia the 3-0 lead.

Penn State Berks chipped away at the Crusader lead, scoring once in the first and second innings to narrow the gap 3-2.

Alvernia got things going again offensively in the fifth, as McKenna picked up where she left off with a one out single. Taylor Thomas singled to give Alvernia two one, and both runners moved up a base on a passed ball. Turner walked to load the bases, and with two outs, Bernadette Carey hit a two run RBI single to give the Crusaders a 5-2 margin. Brianna Kuhn, who reached on a fielder's choice, would score on a Lions error to increase the lead 6-2. DePriest and Malinish kept the inning going through an error and walk, allowing Shilling to deliver a two run single to extend the Crusaders lead 8-2.

PSU answered in the bottom of the inning, crossing four to cut down the deficit 8-6.

The Crusaders tacked on an insurance run in the sixth. McKenna stayed hot at the plate, roping a solo homer to left to put Alvernia up 9-6.

Penn State made another attempt at a comeback, plating one in the sixth to close the gap 9-7. However they were unable to come any closer.

Sophomore Brianna Fisher collected the win in the circle, striking out three in five innings of work. Freshman Taylor Fourace picked up the save.

In the nightcap, the game opened in repeat fashion of game one as Alvernia took an early 3-0 advantage. After walks by DePriest and Shilling gave Alvernia two on, Grim singled to plate DePriest and put Shilling on third. McKenna collected the next RBI, doubling to cross Shilling. Mckenzie Miessau delivered the final RBI, singling to score Grim.

Penn State scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the first, shortening the gap 3-1.

Alvernia went back at it in the fourth, collecting seven runs in the inning. DePriest jump started the offense, going yard to extend the lead 4-1. Malinish followed DePriest with a double, and scored on a single by Shilling. Grim then knocked the second homerun of the inning, hitting a shot to left to pull ahead 6-1. McKenna and Miessau put together back-to-back singles, and McKenna crossed on a Penn State error off the bat of Kerri Mauger for the 7-1 lead. Kuhn put Alvernia up 8-1 on a single, and Amanda Turner delivered the final shot of the inning, collecting two RBI on a single up the middle for the 10-1 lead.

The Crusaders tacked on two more in the fifth, sealing the 12-1 victory in five innings.

Fouracre picked up the win on the mound, scattering seven hits in five innings of work.

Alvernia returns to the diamond on Friday, traveling to Lebanon Valley College for the Commonwealth Conference playoff tournament. The Crusaders, who hold the #5-seed will open play on Friday, facing #4 LVC at 10:00 am.