Schuylkill, Pa. (Nov. 8, 2019) - Alvernia University (1-0) scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to take a 54-45 win over Penn State Schuylkill on Friday night at Schuylkill to open the 2019-20 season.

The Lions scored the opening with a jumper just under two minutes into play, but Alvernia responded on the next possession with a three pointer from Dee McCormick. The Lions would score just three more points in the first quarter while Alvernia jumped out to a 13-5 lead.

Alvernia extended its lead to 15-5 to open the second quarter, but the Golden Wolves were held to just one point over the next four minutes as the Lions closed the gap down to 16-11. Cathryn Kramer converted a jump shot to put Alvernia up 18-11, but Alvernia scored just three points the rest of the quarter as the Lions trailed just 21-20 going into the half.

The Lions took the 25-24 lead on a three-point jumper in the opening minute of the third quarter, but Alvernia's Torie Zerbe put the Golden Wolves back in front with a jumper to make it 26-25. Alvernia would hold the lead the rest of the third quarter, but the Lions stayed within two possessions the entire way as Alvernia went into the fourth quarter up 37-35.

The Lions tied it back up at 37-37 with 8:25 remaining in the game and took a 39-37 lead just 20 seconds later following an Alvernia turnover. The Lions went up 41-37 with 7:14 left to play on a made shot by Chelsea Erkes. 

The Golden Wolves took advantage of a Lions turnover and Abbie Zerbe converted a jumper to cut Alvernia's deficit to 41-39, and the Golden Wolves tied it up at 41-41 on their next possession with a made shot from Julia Ewen.

The Lions went back up 44-41 with 5:17 left to play on a three-point shot, but Alvernia got back within one with a made shot from Torie Zerbe. The Lions turned it over on their next possession and Julia Ewen took the steal down the court for a made shot to put Alvernia ahead 45-44. 

The Golden Wolves held the Lions to just one point the rest of the way and scored nine of their own to take the 54-45 win.
Gabriella DeVito led Alvernia's offensive efforts with 14 points, including a 5-for-6 performance from the line, and three steals. Torie Zerbe led Alvernia with 15 rebounds and added four points.

Tonight's win was the first for head coach Rayne Reber. 

Alvernia continues its 2019-2020 season on Monday with its home-opener against Swarthmore College at 7:00 PM.