Lebanon Valley 13, Alvernia 8

LVC Starters
Anderson, Kelley, Eck, Mellendick, Federowicz, Maleski, Bannan, Brewer, Strack, Jones, O'Neill, Oliveras

Alvernia Starters
Keene, Stover, McCarthy, Donnelly, Moyer, Reynolds, Campione, Judge, Dorrin, Peter, Quinn, Taylor

How It Happened
Emma Jones had a big day in leading Lebanon Valley to a 13-8 victory over Alvernia at Arnold Field on Saturday afternoon, April 22. With the win, the Flying Dutchmen (4-10, 4-3 MAC Commonwealth) wrapped up a berth in the MAC Commonwealth Championship Tournament.

Jones scored seven goals against the Crusaders (6-8, 2-4 MAC Commonwealth); a number just two markers shy of the program's modern-era record. The key stretch of the game came early in the second half with LVC clinging to a one-goal advantage at 8-7. The junior netted four goals in a row during a span of less than five minutes to push the lead to 12-7 and put the game out of reach.

The visitors converted the game's first score before LVC responded with six consecutive goals. Makenzie Kelley netted a pair of man-up markers, Kirsten Bannan found twine on two attempts, and Jones netted two of her game-leading seven scores during the run.

Another Jones' goal, this one of the man-up variety, made it 7-3 LVC with 2:11 left in the first half but Rachel Judge took advantage of a Dutchmen penalty and found twine at the 1:06 mark to cut the deficit to three heading into the break.

An early second-half goal from Alvernia's Bridget Reynolds drew the Crusaders to within two but Brenna O'Neill slowed the momentum with a conversion off a Jones assist with 25:51 remaining.

The visitors scored the game's next two goals to keep within striking distance but Jones took over on the offensive end and single-handedly turned the tight contest into a runaway victory thanks to her big second half. Bannan put the exclamation point on the win by finishing off her hat trick with 7:36 left to play.

Inside the Numbers
- LVC got off more shots than the Crusaders (24-22) but the visitors had more attempts on target (17-16).
- The Dutchmen were 10-13 on clear attempts, while Alvernia finished 8-12 on the clear.
- Lebanon Valley won 13 draws and the Crusaders came away with 10.
- The home team scooped up 12 ground balls. AU gathered in 11.
- Emma Jones totaled eight points (7G, 1A) on the day. Her seven goals were a season-high.
- Kirsten Bannan recorded her third hat trick of the season and finished with four total points.
- Makenzie Kelley added a pair of scores and Brenna O'Neill chipped in with one of her own.
- Jones, Bannan, and Kristina Maleski each recorded one assist.
- Jones also grabbed five ground balls, caused four turnovers, and controlled three draws.
- Jen Eck had five draw controls, while Bannan came away with two.
- Hannah Oliveras made nine saves in goal for LVC and added a pair of ground balls.
- Brooke Campione led the way for Alvernia with two goals and two assists.

Playoff Picture
With their victory on Saturday, the Dutchmen clinched a spot in the upcoming MAC Commonwealth postseason tournament. LVC currently sits fifth in the conference standings.

Senior Day
Prior to Saturday's game, LVC juniors Brenna O'Neill and Kirsten Bannan spoke on behalf of the team in honoring members of the Class of 2017 in seniors Rachel Anderson and Kara Strack.



Who's Next?
The Dutchmen close out the regular season with a MAC Commonwealth contest at Hood on Wednesday afternoon.