Reading, Pa. (Sept. 19, 2015) – Alvernia University (2-6) tied the game at 2-2 in the 77th minute, but DeSales University (4-3) responded with two goals in 75 seconds for a 4-2 win Saturday afternoon in non-conference women's soccer action on a summer-like day at Alvernia.

DeSales took a 1-0 lead with a goal in the first and doubled that midway through the second.  Alvernia got back-to-back scores to tie the score in the second, but DeSales bounced right back with Rachel Shive netting a hat trick for hte Bulldogs.
  
The Crusaders had their first good opportunity in the 14th minute when Hailey Myers settled a ball about 30 yards out and ripped a shot just over the crossbar.
 
Seven minutes later the Bulldogs mounted a threat when Angelica Bertola received a pass for a one-timer just outside the 6-yard box.  Her effort was knocked into the air by Alvernia keeper Jess Plunkett and Bertola fouled Plunkett on the rebound.
 
Both teams had great opportunities with under nine minutes left in the first half.  Alvernia earned back-to-back corner kicks and on the second, Bailey Stover's cross was volleyed by Madison Balga off the crossbar.  DSU outletted the carom quickly and Bertola was in alone from 40 yards out.  She decided to take the shot after the second touch from outside the box, but Plunkett was up to the task.
 
DeSales broke through in the 43rd minute when Shive netted her first of the season.  Sydney Gandy sent a through ball from the midfield that Shive touched to an opening.
 
Alvernia had an excellent chance to level the match three minutes into the second half.  Eden Nafzinger charged a short goal kick and took it out of the air sending the ball back into the box.  She charged a 50-50 ball with the DeSales keeper and was able to squirt it through toward the open net, but DeSales sophomore Rachel Logue got there just before Nafziger and clear the ball just outside the post.
 
In the 60th minute the Bulldogs had a dangerous ball in the box that Bertola banged off the crossbar.  The bounce found the foot of junior midfielder Jess Wetherhold and she hit one in nearly the same spot as Bertola.  The second shot was put back on net with Plunkett cleaning up the loose ball.
 
Early in the 69th minute, DSU took a 2-0 lead. Shive netted her second goal of the game after banking a shot off the crossbar and into goal.
 
Three minutes later, Alvernia cut the deficit in half on a goal by Johnna Shank. After a Stover corner, the ball bounced around the box bouncing off the feet several players before Shank was able to get her foot on it and fire it on goal.
 
The Crusaders tied the game at 2-2 in the 77th minute when a Shank corner kick deflected off a DeSales defender and into the back of the net.
 
The Bulldogs came right back and took the lead in the 80th minute when Shive secured a hat trick, scoring her third goal of the game.
 
Just over a minute later later, Wetherhold scored an insurance goal for the Bulldogs, giving them a 4-2 lead. That score would stand for the remainder of the game.
 
Plunkett finished the game with six saves.
 
Alvernia returns to play on Wednesday the 23rd at 4:00pm against Ursinus College on the Turf Field.

DeSales 4, Alvernia 2