Reading, Pa. (Feb. 2, 2022)- Alvernia University (9-9, 3-8) used a strong second half to defeat Eastern University (6-14, 3-8) 60-54 in a MAC women's basketball matchup at Alvernia Wednesday night.
 
The action got off to a quick start, with Eastern knocking down the opening points. Kayla Williams would respond just seven seconds later, sinking a jumper to record the first points of the contest for Alvernia.
 
The next few minutes were a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading a pair of threes. With 5:11 left in the opening stanza, the score was knotted firmly, 10-10.
 
A layup from Jordan Karmonick gave the Golden Wolves their first lead of the contest, with Kelly Fetter recording a free throw to extend the lead to three.
 
The Eagles quickly responded, scoring six points to go up 16-13. Taliyah Malone eventually ended the dry spell, sinking a layup to cut the deficit to one. Malone knocked down a free throw just 29 seconds later, tying the contest up.
 
The first quarter would end with a score of 16-16.
 
Alvernia opened the scoring in the second stanza, with Fetter clipping a pair of free throws.
 
The second quarter was close, with neither team gaining much momentum. A three from Tamia Wessels gave the Golden Wolves a slim three-point lead with 6:13 left in the quarter.
 
Eastern eventually recorded a layup with 29 seconds left in the quarter, drawing the contest even once again. The second quarter ended with the game tied, 25-25.
 
The Eagles scored a quick basket to open the third quarter, taking a two-point lead. The Golden Wolves did not wait long to tie things up, with Malone netting a layup just nine seconds later.
 
Eastern's offense started to click halfway through the quarter, as it secured its largest lead of the night, 36-31.
 
The Golden Wolves showed their resiliency, as Kayla Williams and Malone helped guide a 12-4 run to close out the third stanza.
 
Alvernia would take a three-point lead into the fourth quarter, with a score of 43-40.
 
Chenoa Bernhardt recorded the first basket of the fourth quarter, coming off a steal from Karmonick.
 
The Eagles battled hard, bringing the Golden Wolves lead down to one with 7:47 left to play. Alvernia's offense fought back, with Williams recording five points as part of an 8-0 run.
 
The Eagles kept the pressure up, trying desperately to tie the match. Despite this, the Golden Wolves' offense was able to stay strong, with Williams and Karmonick leading the charge.
 
Alvernia held on in the fourth quarter, knocking off Eastern with a six-point win, 60-54.
 
Karmonick led the Golden Wolves 12 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.  Williams picked up 14 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks on the night. Malone netted 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
 
Alvernia returns to action Saturday on the road against its cross-town rivals, Albright.