Reading, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2015) - Junior forward Jess Bernd scored a pair of goals and sophomore goalie Jessica Plunkett made three saves as Alvernia University (1-0) opened the season with a 3-0 win over Lancaster Bible College (0-1) Tuesday afternoon in non-conference women's soccer action at Alvernia.

Bernd scored with just over 10 seconds left in the first half.  The Crusaders put together a quick counter strike with both teams looking to forge ahead as the clock ran down.   Freshman Johnna Shank took a corner kick as the clock ticked under 20 seconds that deflected in on the LBC goalie.  The rebound popped up in the air and Bernd headed it toward the open net.  An LBC defender was able to get a head on the ball, but not enough to knock it clear of the far post.

The Alvernia lead doubled with LBC scored an own goal in the 71st minute, and the combo of Shank and Bernd connected again in the 81st minute with Shank's cross once again finding Bernd's head for the third goal of the game.

Plunkett made one nice save for the hosts late in the first half when the Chargers put together a challenge that lead to a clear shot from the top of the box.

Alvernia continues the non-conference schedule this weekend at the Johns Hopkins Tournament.

Alvernia 3, Lancaster Bible 0