Reading, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2015) - Sophomore Hailey Knowlton scored the game-winning goal in the 57th minute as Alvernia University (1-0) opened the season with a 3-1 win over Juniata College (0-1) Tuesday evening in non-conference field hockey action at Alvernia.

Alvernia scored the opening goal in the 17th minute when senior Summer Liberto--positioned at the near post--slammed home a pass from the top of the circle on a corner play.  Fifteen minutes later the Eagles knotted up the score at 1-1 when Brittany Meier scored stick side on a penalty stroke.  Meier earned another stroke just minutes later, but Alvernia goalie Rebecca Brosious slid to her left to knock it away with the blocker.

Twenty minutes into the second half the Crusader offense struck again when Natalie Messaros redirected a pass near the end line that Knowlton finished into an open net.  Junior Margaret Wentzel added insurance in the 65th minute picking up a rebound and finding the back of the net.

Brosious finished with five saves in the win.

Alvernia continues a string of five straight home games to start the season hosting Gwynedd-Mercy College on Saturday.

Alvernia 3, Juniata 1