CHESTER, Pa. (November 2) – The Alvernia University field hockey team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 double-overtime loss to Widener University on Monday afternoon. After falling behind in the third quarter, the Golden Wolves responded with an equalizer in the fourth to force overtime. Despite creating several scoring opportunities in the extra periods, Alvernia couldn't find the game-winner, as Widener capitalized on a late penalty corner to score the deciding goal and advance to the semifinals.
How It Happened:
The teams opened the game in a defensive battle, but the Golden Wolves applied early pressure, earning three penalty corners and generating shots from Ava Michael and Sarah Schaffer. However, Widener's defense held firm to keep Alvernia off the scoreboard. The Golden Wolves limited the Pride to just one shot in the opening period as neither team found the back of the net.
In the second quarter, Widener earned two penalty corners, but Alvernia's defense kept the game scoreless. The Golden Wolves responded with a strong stretch of possession, earning three consecutive corners and recording shots from Kelsy McClintock and Natalie Parent. Despite the offensive pressure, the Pride continued to hold their ground. Alvernia finished the half with a 4-1 advantage in shots, but the teams remained tied 0-0 at the break.
Coming out of halftime, Alvernia generated five consecutive shots while controlling possession for the first 11 minutes of the third quarter. However, Widener shifted the momentum over the final four minutes, earning four penalty corners and recording four shots. The Pride broke through in the 44th minute, finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Golden Wolves responded quickly in the fourth. Carley Mackert scored off a penalty corner, assisted by Sofia Mollura, to even the score at 1-1. With just one minute remaining, Alvernia earned another corner and created a scoring opportunity through Michael, but a strong save from the Widener goalkeeper kept the game tied and sent the MAC Commonwealth play-in game to overtime.
Widener came out attacking in the first overtime, generating a flurry of shots, but Alvernia's defense stood strong. The Golden Wolves settled in and created four scoring opportunities of their own over the next four minutes, including a quality chance from Hadley Lewicki that was turned away by the Pride goalkeeper. Neither team could find the winner, forcing a second overtime period.
Widener controlled possession throughout the second overtime, and the sustained pressure ultimately proved decisive. The Pride earned three consecutive penalty corners, converting on the third with a goal in the 72nd minute to secure the 2-1 victory and advance to the semifinals.
Inside the Box Score
Season Recap
The Golden Wolves finish the season with an 8-9 overall record and a 4-4 mark in conference play. In their first season under head coach Cody Savitsky, Alvernia qualified for the MAC Commonwealth Field Hockey Tournament.
