Reading, Pa. (Feb. 8, 2018) - Alvernia University (4-17, 0-13) started off strong but was unable to ward of a second half push from Albright College (18-5, 13-1), falling to the Lions 69-56 in MAC Commonwealth action at Albright.

The Golden Wolves kept it close in the first 30 minutes before the Lions were able to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Emily Theobald opened the scoring for Alvernia with a layup to tie the game at 2-2 just over a minute into the competition. The Lions quickly went up 6-2 with four points in under twenty seconds following an Alvernia turnover.

The Golden Wolves quickly came back, with senior Liv Andrefski hitting a three point shot.

Alvernia took its first lead of the game with an Kiersten Ingram three just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Lions and Golden Wolves traded baskets the rest of the quarter, with Maya Cooper converting a free throw attempt with four seconds left in the quarter to give Alvernia a two point lead entering the second quarter.

Neither team was able to put together a run in the second quarter. Albright took its biggest lead of the half with a three point shot from MiKayla Lee to give the Lions a five point advantage.

Alvernia once again overcame the small deficit. Freshman Gabriella DeVito hit back to back three point shots to put the Golden Wolves up 30-29 with just over a minute left in the first half.

Albright converted a layup with 21 seconds left in the half to take a 34-32 lead. Theobald was able to get off a layup attempt as time expired, but couldn't get the shot to fall.

The Golden Wolves struggled to find their rhythm coming out of the half, and were held to just eight points in the third quarter. Albright took advantage and entered the fourth quarter with a seven point lead.

The Lions continued their hot hand entering the final ten minutes, scoring a game high 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Golden Wolves scored 16 of their own, but were unable to climb back into it.

The Golden Wolves had three players finish with double digit points. Cooper and DeVito each had a game high 12 points. Ingram finished the night with 10. Torie Zerbe led the Golden Wolves with six rebounds.

Devon Horka and and Alysha Lofton led the Lions with 16 points each.

Alvernia returns to the court on Saturday when they host Arcadia.

Albright 69, Alvernia 56