Alvernia 17, Lebanon Valley 8

Box Score

ANNVILLE, Pa. - Hana Krechel scored four times and Lindsey Buckman turned in a hat trick in her collegiate debut, but Lebanon Valley couldn't overcome a big first half by Alvernia as they fell, 17-8, in the season opener on Wednesday.

The Dutchmen (0-1, 0-1 MAC) fell behind 9-2 at the half to the Crusaders (1-0, 1-0 MAC), but looked much improved in the second as they scored six of their eight goals.

Krechel picked up where she left off in 2010, notching four goals to go with four draw controls, while Buckman enjoyed a great debut with three goals on a team-high seven shots. Allison McGinniss also scored for LVC. 

Felicia Sippel, Alyssa Verrillo, and Megan Corrigan each scored hat tricks for Alvernia, and Samantha Landis dished out three assists to go with a goal.

Alvernia struck quickly with three goals to start before Buckman put the Dutchmen on the board, but the Crusaders answered back with a 6-0 run before Krechel struck 38 seconds before the half. The Crusaders extended their lead to 12-2 to start the second half, but LVC finished strong, outscoring Alvernia 6-5 over the final 25:30 of the half.

Corinne Palombo made six saves in her collegiate debut; Erica Ameigh stopped one in just over 17 minutes of relief. Jennifer Czarnecki stopped five to pick up the win for the Crusaders. Kristen Rooney, Palombo, and Krechel led LVC with four ground balls apiece.

LVC will visit Goucher on Saturday.