Box Score Field Hockey
Alvernia 4, Lebanon Valley 3
ANNVILLE, Pa. - A three-goal second half by Alvernia stunned Lebanon Valley, spoiling their Senior Day in a 4-3 setback at Arnold Field.
The Dutchmen (8-9, 4-3 CC) led 3-1 at halftime, but the Crusaders (10-6, 3-4 CC) scored early in the second half and then had two in the last seven minutes to tie and take the lead.
LVC can clinch a postseason berth with a win over Elizabethtown Tuesday night in the regular-season finale, or if Alvernia loses to Widener on Tuesday. An LVC loss and Alvernia win would bounce the Dutchmen from the Commonwealth Conference tournament on a point-differential tiebreak.
The game gave the fans plenty to cheer about on both sides, with Alvernia holding a 21-17 shot advantage and LVC leading 16-15 in corners. Both goalies were tested, with
Chloe Baro making 14 saves for LVC and Erin Wunsch nine for Alvernia. LVC had two goals cleared off the line by first-half defensive saves, and
Katrina Reppert saved a potential equalizer with a diving stop in the second half.
Lauren Mowery opened the scoring, getting the start on Senior Day and hooking up with classmate
Laura James just 4:04 into the game. Margaret Wentzel scored the first of her three goals at 25:21 to tie it, but LVC hit twice in a 1:43 span late in the half to take a 3-1 lead.
Molly Van Leuvan deflected James' forward push past the goalkeeper on the half-hour mark, and
Kristen Garman blasted
Lauren Brumbach's cross-circle pass on a corner to score at 31:43.
Wentzel opened the second half with a put-back deflection at 36:20, and the defensive dam finally broke when Natalie Messaros scored off a corner at 63:00. Alvernia wasn't content to play for overtime, and Wentzel put her side ahead at 65:42 with a putback of her own rebound.
LVC will host Elizabethtown Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Before the game, LVC honored its seven-member senior class for their contributions to the program over the past four years. Coach Carol Miller had this to say about each senior:
"
Caitlyn Atzinger is the player who has taught me most about sacrifice, dedication, and life in general because of what she has devoted to LVC and our program. She is a natural leader who unselfishly provides a voice of reason and rationale when necessary, and inspiration with her play when needed the most, and guidance and friendship to others when at their lowest. She understands the game and our game plan like few others and personally motivates me and her teammates daily, to be at our best."
"I not only know
Chloe Baro to be one of the best and formidable gameday goalkeepers there is, but I also know her to possess one of the biggest hearts there ever was. She disguises her sensitivity and compassion behind her helmet and is extremely accomplished, poised, and composed in her everyday life. Those who view her unruffled and relaxed attitude off the field often misinterpret her calmness as indifference instead of as the profoundly inspirational, genuine, and reassuring woman I personally have come to know."
"
Melissa Brosious has one of the most contagious attitudes on the team. Her true love for, enjoyment of, and commitment to the game is demonstrated daily. Her desire and passion to help her teammates succeed is overwhelmingly evident. Her role as big sister at home has assisted her in becoming a very caring, amazing role model and captain who personally shoulders much of the responsibility for our teams' success and shortcomings both on and off the field."
"
Megan Harris is the most consistent and accomplished player, friend, and student on our team – which makes her extremely reliable and someone whom the team and I have come to expect brilliance, not only in her play but in every aspect of her life. She comes to practice every day with the work ethic and resoluteness of a champion and leader. And, she takes her role as captain very seriously and performs her duties with a subtlety and sensitivity well received, admired, and respected by all."
"
Laura James has unselfishly demonstrated great versatility on the field for us over the years. A quiet leader with an unassuming nature, she is truly enjoyable to coach and a force against other teams who have greatly miscalculated her effectiveness. Laura is a true friend to her teammates and someone who our younger players have felt comfortable approaching when in need. She is ready to give everything on game day and in her relationships - and rarely asks for much in return."
"
Lauren Mowery is one of the fastest athletes I have ever had the pleasure coaching – which always proves problematic for our opponents! We are fortunate that she shares herself with us as she is also a standout track athlete here at LVC. Lauren is also one of the most unselfish athletes I have ever coached, as she comes to practice daily with a wonderful attitude for learning, competing, and performing. I have also come to know Lauren as one of the sweetest, kindest, and caring individuals on our team – her presence daily is felt by all and is essential to the success of our team."
"
Katrina Reppert has the most energy, drive, and enthusiasm that I have seen in a long time. She inspires her teammates daily to work harder, play faster and play prouder – and is a popular friend to many. She truly wishes only the best for all others and carries that same unselfishness onto the field by playing for her team and never for herself. Katrina's work ethic is unsurpassed and truly inspirational – which makes her a leader by example and motivator to all."
