Reading, Pa. (Sept. 5, 2015) - Alvernia University (2-0) scored four second-half goals to earn a 4-3 win over Gwynedd-Mercy College (0-2) Saturday afternoon in non-conference field hockey action at Alvernia.

The Griffins scored the only goal of the first half when Maggie Walsh slammed home a pass from Katie O'Neill in the 12th minute.  GMC ripped off nine shots in the first half while Alvernia couldn't generate a shot in the opening 35.  Junior goalie Rebecca Brosious made five saves in the first half to keep the Crusaders close.

Alvernia leveled the score four minutes into the second half when senior Melanie Lowry received a pass on a corner at the top of the circle, maneuvered past a Griffin defender, and beat the keeper for her first of the season.

Two minutes later Margaret Wentzel scored on a pass from Andrea Wysocki and barely a minute after that, Wentzel put the Crusaders up 3-1 converting a pass from Emily Kelly.

The Griffins did their part fo keep up the scoring pace when Melissa Russo ripped home a shot from O'Neill not even 90 seconds after the Wentzel goal.

With just under 15 minutes left to play GMC's Sarah Yerk cleaned up a rebound in front of the goal that tied the score at 3-3.

Alvernia looked to go back in front in the 62nd minute when another Wentzel shot beat the GMC keeper, but the Catherin Walbrecher was in the right spot for a defensive save that kept the score tied at 3-all.

Three minutes later another shot was headed into the cage when a Griffin defender knocked it away with her arm.  Alvernia senior Summer Liberto was awarded the penalty stroke and she made no mistake putting Alvernia back in front with just under five minutes to go.

Alvernia continues its 5-game homestand to start the season hosting #6 Franklin & Marshall on Monday evening.

Alvernia 4, Gwyned-Mercy 3