Reading, Pa. (March 14, 2021) - Alvernia University (3-1, 3-1) didn't need much support from its offense as the defense held strong in two shutouts that combined for just three hits over Widener University (2-4, 1-3) in MAC Commonwealth Softball action on a windy Sunday at Alvernia.

In game one of the afternoon, Alvernia's only run of the game would come in the bottom of the second. Alyssa Acker singled to lead off the inning. In the next at bat, Riley Shields singled through the right side, sending Acker around the bases. Acker beat out the tag at the plate to put Alvernia up 1-0.

The Pride put a runner in scoring position twice, including in the top of the seventh, but were not able to convert.

For the second day in a row, pitcher Riley Shields was dominant in the circle. The senior struck out nine batters today after striking out 13 at Widener yesterday. She allowed just two hits and didn't give up a walk. 

At the plate, Shields finished with two hits and an RBI. Senior Sarah Reinert also continued her hot start with two hits - a double and a triple. 

In game two of the afternoon, Alvernia got off to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Reinert walked to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Maggie Loomis. Reinert then made her way to third on a single by Shields and made her way home on an RBI single to center by Alyssa Acker.

Alvernia extended its lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth with Reinert and Carlen Lazar - who was pinch running for Shields - scoring on an error during Shield's at bat and an RBI single to center by Ally Decker. 

Decker, pitching for Alvernia, and the Golden Wolves defense retired Widener's final six batters in order to take the 3-0 win.

Decker finished the game with eight strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Reinert led Alvernia's offense with a hit and two runs scored. 

Alvernia continues its 2021 season next weekend with a four game series against Hood. The first two games will be held at Alvernia on Saturday.