Reading, Pa (Nov. 1, 2017) - Three different players netted shots for #2 Alvernia University to send the Golden Wolves to the MAC Commonwealth Final (13-7) with a 3-1 victory over #3 Widener University (11-6) during the semifinals of the MAC Commonwealth Field Hockey Championship Wednesday night at Alvernia.
Kelsey Stewart put the Golden Wolves on the board early, scoring a goal in the third minute of play. Working off of a corner opportunity,
Andrea Wysocki sent a ball in between the legs of Widener's keeper. Stewart, who was off the right post, tapped the ball in to put the Golden Wolves up 1-0 early.
Eight minutes later, the Pride tied things up. Alvernia's keeper,
Emma Beamesderfer, made a save off an initial shot by Jackie Daniels. Jordana Ambros gathered the rebound and scored on an empty net.
With just over two minutes remaining in the first half, Wysocki was able to break the tie. Madison Potthoff sent a ball in from the top of the circle and Wysocki, off the left post, gathered the pass and sent the shot in to put Alvernia up 2-1.
The score would remain 2-1 entering the half and well into the second half.
In the 57th minute, Wysocki saved a ball from rolling out of bounds and sent the ball over to
Hailey Knowlton. Knowlton bobbled the ball before gaining control and firing off a shot, giving the Golden Wolves a two goal lead with just over 13 minutes remaining in the game.
Widener was able to get off shots in the final minutes, but Alvernia, behind Beamesderfer, was able to hold its 3-1 lead.
In the second semifinal playoff game, #1 Messiah beat #4 Albright 5-0 in a strong showing at Messiah. The Golden Wolves will travel to Messiah on Saturday to play the Falcons for the MAC Commonwealth Championship. The game is a rematch of last year's MAC Commonwealth Championship, where Messiah took down Alvernia with a 7-1 victory. Messiah looks to win its 11th consecutive MAC Commonwealth title, while the Golden Wolves looks to win their first conference title since joining the MAC Commonwealth in 2009.
#2 Alvernia 3, #3 Widener 1
