Reading, Pa (Oct. 30, 2024) - Abbie Buck scored just over two minutes into overtime to secure a 2-1 win over Widener University (6-10, 2-4) as Alvernia University (11-6, 4-2) secured a MAC Commonwealth playoff berth on Wednesday night in field hockey action at Alvernia.

The Golden Wolves celebrated their four seniors - Abbie Buck, Lexi Boettcher, Gianna DeGregory, and Hailey Miller - prior to the game, and the seniors led Alvernia to the playoff-clinching victory.
Buck's two goals led the Golden Wolves past the rival Pride in the MAC Commonwealth clash. Despite a scoreless first half, the Golden Wolves opened the scoring in the third quarter with Buck's first of the night. The Pride responded with just under three minutes left in the game to force overtime. Just two minutes into overtime, Buck found the back of the net for the second time. The win improved Alvernia to 11-6 on the season and 4-2 in MAC Commonwealth play. With the win, Alvernia clinched a MAC Commonwealth Championship appearance.

How it Happened 

• The first scoring opportunity came with five minutes remaining in the first quarter when The Pride were given a corner that resulted in a shot on goal by Makenzie Adamson. Lexi Boettcher made the stop to keep the first quarter scoreless.  
• Boettcher increased her save total to three five minutes into the second quarter when she saved attempts from Karly Bervinchak and Merideth Marstellar of the Pride.  
• Boettcher made another save off a deflection by the Pride and sent the matchup into the half tied at zero.  
• Five minutes into the second half Caroline Martin found Buck off a corner to open the scoring for the Golden Wolves. Martin collected an initial save by the Pride goalie and deflected it over to Buck, who fired just inside the right post and into the back of the net. 
• An offensive onslaught from the Pride ensued in the fourth quarter that forced Lexi Boettcher to make four more saves. But, the Pride broke through in the 57th minute off a corner opportunity of their own to even the contest.
• Early into overtime, the Golden Wolves came out firing and forced two corners within the first two minutes. Buck was the one who punched the ticket for the Golden Wolves into the MAC Commonwealth playoff with the game-winning goal off of an assist from DeGregory.  

Inside the Box Score 

• Abbie Buck led the way with both goals for the Golden Wolves on just two shots.  
• Assists came from Caroline Martin and Gianna DeGregory. 
• Kelsey McClintock also recorded two shots for the Golden Wolves. 
• Lexi Boettcher stood strong in net for the Golden Wolves and earned the win with ten saves. It is her fourth double-digit save performance of the season.

Of Note

• Boettcher eclipsed 100 saves on the season and 300 on her career, moving her into fourth all-time.
• Alvernia will be making its ninth MAC Commonwealth Championship appearance.

Up Next 

• Alvernia is back in action Saturday, November 2 in its last regular season game of the season. Alvernia will head to Stevenson to take on the #22 Stevenson Mustangs.