Frederick, Md. (Nov. 30, 2016) - Hood College (3-2, 1-0) maintained a small margin through the second half to claim a 74-67 victory over Alvernia University (0-5, 0-1) Wednesday evening in MAC Commonwealth Women's Basketball action at Hood.

Holding a two-point advantage entering the second half, Hood posted a 12-5 run to increase its lead 47-37. Marissa Armolt switched the momentum, recording 6 of 8 unanswered points to bring Alvernia within 2 with just under two minutes left in the third quarter. Armolt then put away a pair from the line after a Blazer layup to keep the Crusaders on Hood's heels going into the final quarter, 49-47.

Alvernia stayed a shot behind the Blazers until the final four minutes. Hood pulled ahead 68-60 with two minutes remaining, but the Crusaders kept pushing, using a free throw by Kiersten Ingram and layups by Miranda Hoover and Armolt to close the gap 70-65. However, the Blazers were clutch from the line to keep Alvernia at bay through the remainder of the contest.

The Crusaders posted a strong start, leading 24-20 after the first 10 minutes.

The two sides had 6 ties and 7 lead changes through the first half.

Armolt had a career night for Alvernia, netting 23 points with two blocks. Maya Cooper and Ingram added 13 and 11 points, respectively. Torie Zerbe led the Crusaders on the boards with 12 rebounds while Hoover had her second consecutive double-digit rebound game with 10.

Alvernia continues conference play on Saturday, hosting Lebanon Valley College at 1:00 p.m.