READING, Pa. – A strong second half pushed the Albright women's soccer team past Alvernia on Tuesday as they claimed a crucial 3-1 MAC Commonwealth win at Shirk Stadium.
With the win, the Lions advance to 3-4 in conference play and 8-7-2 overall. Meanwhile, the Golden Wolves fall to 0-7 in MAC Commonwealth action and 3-14 overall.
Albright controlled possession early and got back-to-back shots off in the 15
th minute by seniors
Stephanie Calafiore and
Caitlin Costigliola that were both blocked by Alvernia defenders. The Golden Wolves then earned back-to-back corners, scoring on their second opportunity in the 18
th minute of action to take a 1-0 lead over the Lions. Senior
Diza Hasanaj had the first look on net for Albright in the 23
rd minute that was stopped by Alvernia goalkeeper Lily Sankey. Senior
Hailee Brooks had the final first half scoring opportunity for the Lions following a corner in the 28
th minute that was blocked by an Alvernia defender as the Golden Wolves held onto their 1-0 lead entering the half.
The Lions came out of the break hungry for a win as Junior
Emily Serpico scored just 47 seconds into the second half to tie the game up at one. Senior
Autumn Bieber sent the ball in the box off a free kick and Serpico connected it into the back of the net. Just over a minute later Hasanaj converted a penalty kick following an Alvernia handball in their own box to take a 2-1 lead in the 46
th minute. First-year
Kelly Griffin then tallied her first career goal in the 71
st minute off a feed from classmate
Alexis Baez to solidify the Lions 3-1 victory over the Golden Wolves.
Albright held Alvernia to just two shots on the evening with a 13-2 shot advantage and a 6-2 shot on goal advantage. First-year goalkeeper
McKenna LeVan did not need a single save to earn the win for the Lions in 90 minutes of action. Sankey receives the loss for the Golden Wolves with two saves in 90 minutes of play.
The Lions will close out regular season play and celebrate senior night at Shirk Stadium on Saturday against Eastern at 5 p.m.