Reading, Pa. (Apr. 23, 2016) - Alvernia University (11-21, 4-10) used a pair of homeruns to claim a 5-2 game 1 victory over Albright College (24-13, 7-7) Saturday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth softball action.

The Crusaders fell 9-1 in game two.

In the opener, Alvernia posted a pair of runs in top of the first. Morgan Petry gave the Crusaders its first runner of the day with a one out walk. Mckenzie Miessau didn't leave Petry on the bases long, driving a blast down the left field line to take the 2-0 advantage. 

The Lions chipped at Alvernia's margin, plating a run in the first and the third to tie things 2-2.

Albright threatened to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth. With runners on first and second, the Lions' Morgan Cullen hit a two out single up the middle. Albright waved around Milburn from second, but Morgan Psiuk threw a laser to catcher Aly Shilling to keep the game locked up.

Psiuk thrived on her own momentum, getting the job done with the bat in the top of the sixth. After Miessau opened the inning with a single and Amanda Turner reached by walk, Psiuk roped a line drive over the left field fence to put the Crusaders ahead 5-2.

The Lions put runners on in the sixth and the seventh, but pitcher Brittanie Wolfe was able to keep Albright's offense to a minimum for the win.

In the nightcap, Albright used a string of eight hits to collect nine runs in the first inning.

Alvernia plated its lone run in the top of the first. Brianna DePriest opened the game with a double off the left field fence. Shilling followed DePriest with a double to center to bring her around. 

The Crusaders continue their season on Monday, hosting Neumann University in nonconference action at 3:00 pm.