Chester, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2018) - Alvernia University (4-21, 0-16) had a strong first half but was unable to hold on at the end as Widener University (12-13, 6-10) pulled away to a 58-53 victory in MAC Commonwealth season finale action at Widener.

Alvernia led the majority of the first half and stayed close in the second half, but two scoreless spans by the Golden Wolves allowed the Pride to gain some breathing room and take the win.

Sophomore Abbie Zerbe opened the scoring for the Golden Wolves with a three pointer two minutes into the game. Alvernia then pulled away to a 9-4 lead half way through the first quarter on a layup from freshman Emily Theobald.

A three pointer from Widener's Nikki Petri with about 1:30 left in the first quarter pulled the Pride back within in two as Alvernia entered the second quarter with an 11-9 lead.

The Golden Wolves and Pride exchanged the lead throughout the second quarter, and the teams went into the half tied at 27-27.

The Pride came out of the half and converted two free throws to take 29-27 lead.

Senior Liv Andrefski answered with a small run of her own - knocking down 8 points, including two 3's, over a minute and thirty second span to give the Golden Wolves a 35-31 lead with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Alvernia's shooting then went cold, as the Golden Wolves went six minutes without a point. Widener took advantage and went on a 7-0 run to retake the lead and enter the fourth quarter with a 42-39 advantage.

Abbie Zerbe hit a three with 6:18 left in the game to give the Golden Wolves their final lead of the game. A minute late, Widener's Madison Ireland hit a three of her own to give the Pride the advantage with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

Alvernia would again go scoreless over the next four minutes, allowing the Pride to build a seven point lead, their largest of the game.

The Golden Wolves cut the lead back down to five with an Abbie Zerbe layup with a 24 second remaining, but the Pride held on for the win in the final game of the season.

The Pride were led by Madison Ireland, who had 20 points and nine rebounds.

Alvernia was led by Abbie Zerbe, who finished the game with 12 points. Theobald finished with 11 points, and Julia Ewen finished with eight rebounds.

Senior Liv Andrefski also finished with 11 points in the final game of her career. Andresfki finishes her career with 616 career points and 238 rebounds over 83 games.

Widener 58, Alvernia 53