Box Score

READING, Pa. – With only 33 seconds remaining in the first overtime period, Alvernia's Sara Gimbler sent a long pass through the midfield to Amy Mesce, who then placed the ball to the far post to give the Crusaders the 1-0 overtime conference win Wednesday evening in Shirk Stadium.

Going into Wednesday's match, the Crusaders (11-2-2/2-0-1 CC) were ranked eighth in the Mid-Atlantic region, and were riding a nine-game unbeaten streak. They added to that streak in the closing seconds of the first overtime period, to extend their program record for wins to 11.

On the night, Alvernia totaled 19 shots, with 13 of those ending up on target. For the Lions (7-5-3/0-2-1 CC) their night consisted of just three shots. #Lauren Panichelle# had the best opportunity for the Lions when she redirected a #Mel Sullivan# corner kick to the near post with less than 10 minutes to play in the second half.
Albright goalkeeper #Olivia Giuliano# had a very busy night and played extremely well in the back as she totaled 12 saves. Her Alvernia counterpart Kirsten Kelley did not make a save in the 99 minutes of action.

Even though the numbers seem one-sided, Albright matched-up well against their cross-town rivals. The two teams battled back and forth throughout regulation to eventually force the overtime period.

The Crusaders dominated a majority of the overtime period, but in the closing minutes, Albright's offense got a spark of life in the form of back-to-back corner kicks. Looking to capitalize on the late opportunities Albright piled every one into the box. Unfortunately they were unable to hit the mark.

What eventually led to the Alvernia game-winner was a heads up play by the Crusaders defense. They saw a gap in the midfield and sent a long ball in that split the Lions defense. Mesce, who leads her team with 10 goals this season, played the ball forward and on her second touch passed it to the far post.

Just like their male counterparts, the women's team now has a grueling road ahead of them if they are to make their second consecutive playoff berth. Their long road consists of two regionally ranked teams in Arcadia University and Lebanon Valley College, and also features two-time defending national champs Messiah College.

The Lady Lions return to action this Saturday when they face Lebanon Valley at noon.