Annville, Pa. (March 5, 2021) - Alvernia University (2-2, 2-2) used a strong start to the third quarter to take the series sweep over Lebanon Valley College (2-6, 2-6) on Friday night in MAC Commonwealth Women's Basketball action at Lebanon Valley.

The Dutchmen started the game with two jumpers in the first 90 seconds to take a quick 4-0 lead. But, Alvernia responded with seven straight, including five from Taliyah Malone, to flip the game at 7-4 with 5:52 left in the first quarter.

Lebanon Valley tied it up on a 3-pointer from Emily Mealey 50 seconds later, and both teams traded baskets the rest of the quarter. The Dutchmen hit a jumper in the final seconds of the quarter to hold the one point lead at 10-9 over Alvernia going into the second quarter.

After the Dutchmen extended their lead to 14-10 50 seconds into the second quarter, Alvernia tied it back up at 14-14 on back-to-back layups by Madison Miskar and Dee McCormick.

For the next four minutes, neither the Dutchmen or the Golden Wolves could get anything to fall as both teams went scoreless.

Alvernia's Jordan Karmonick ended the scoring drought by knocking down a three with 3:51 remaining in the half to give Alvernia the 17-4 advantage. 

The teams traded baskets over the final minutes of the half, and the Golden Wolves took the 24-20 advantage going into the break.

Alvernia came out of the break firing on all cylinders. The Golden Wolves went on a 15-2 run over five minutes that was capped off by a Dee McCormick three to jump out to a 39-22 lead.

However, the Dutchmen again responded by going on a 12-0 run to close out the third quarter trailing 39-35.

The Dutchmen stayed within two possessions for much of the fourth quarter before deciding to send Alvernia to the free throw line. 

The Golden Wolves, who had been shooting less than 50% from the line in the first three games of their season, came up clutch in the fourth quarter - converting 14 of their 21 foul shot opportunities in the fourth quarter. First-year Jordan Karmonick scored nine of those free throws for Alvernia to help seal the 63-55 victory.

First year Kayla Williams led Alvernia with 14 points, a block, and a steal. Senior Julia Ewen brought in 22 rebounds for Alvernia - matching her career high and coming within two of a 20 year old record held by Tanisha Giddens. Ewen now leads the MAC Commonwealth with 14.5 rebounds per game. 

Lebanon Valley was led by Jennedy Juffa who finished with a 25 point, 11 rebound double-double.

Alvernia returns to the court on Monday for a single game versus Wilkes. The Golden Wolves will head to the Colonels with tip-off set for 7 PM.