Reading, Pa. (Jan. 2, 2016) - Alvernia University (5-7, 0-3) was unable to maintain its first quarter lead, falling 73-55 to Lebanon Valley College (9-3, 3-1) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth action at Jack McCloskey Court.

The Crusaders opened the game exchanging baskets with the Dutchmen, fighting their way to an 11-10 advantage with just under four minutes left in the first quarter.
Alvernia put away back-to-back 3s by Jenna Wolff and Chelsea Ebersole and went 3-4 from the line to extend its lead to 20-14.

Wolff drained another 3 to start the second quarter, giving the Crusaders their largest margin of the day at nine. Roberts responded to a pair of Dutchmen buckets with two of her own, maintaining the spread at 27-18.

Lebanon Valley then put together a nine point run to tie things at 27 with five minutes until the half. The two teams swapped the lead six times before the end of the quarter, with the Dutchmen making a jumper and layup with a minute left to go ahead 38-35 at half.

The third quarter proved to be the difference maker as the Crusaders put together just seven points on 18 attempts, giving LVC the 57-42 advantage entering the final quarter.
Alvernia chipped away at the lead over the next four minutes as Stevie Fortna made one from behind the arc and Roberts added seven more points to bring the Crusaders within nine 61-52. The Dutchmen continued their solid shooting though, keeping the game out of reach for Alvernia.

Roberts posted her fourth double-double of the year, collected a game-high 19 points with 11 boards. Wolff put away 13 for the Crusaders, with Fortna tacking on 9.

The Dutchmen were led by Kiely Chaklos and Taylor Umbrell, who had 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Alvernia will take to the road next for a pair of games, starting with Hood College on Wednesday. The MAC Commonwealth matchup is set for a 6:00 tip off.