The Albright College women's soccer team scored twice in the first half to beat Lycoming 2-0 and give itself a chance to make the Commonwealth Conference playoffs next Saturday vs. Widener.

Freshman Erin Hand scored in the 14th minute and senior Katie Cooper added an insurance goal in the 34th to lead Albright.

The victory actually vaulted the Lions (2-2-2, 8 pts.) all the way to third place in the conference, although Arcadia (2-2-1, 7 pts.) and Widener (2-3-0, 6 pts.) each have a game in hand. Those two sides will face off on Wednesday.

Messiah (6-0-0, 18 pts.) and Lebanon Valley (4-1-1, 13 pts.) are locked into the top two places, leaving Albright, Arcadia, Widener, Alvernia (2-3-1, 7 pts.) and Elizabethtown (2-3-1, 7 pts.) in an unbelievably tight battle for the final two playoff spots. With tonight's win however, Albright knows that a Homecoming victory will guarantee a spot in the league championships.

A win could also keep Albright in third place, unless Arcadia gets at least a win and a tie over its final two contests.

On the other hand, a loss to Widener would eliminate the Lions, with a tie leaving them very much reliant on other results going their way.

Senior goalkeeper Olivia Giuliano made two saves at Lycoming and earned her 13th career shutout.

Albright will hosts King's on Wednesday, before its fateful encounter with Widener at 6 p.m. on Saturday.