READING, PA - Alvernia University (3-4-1, 2-1-1 UCHC) used a three-goal second period to propel itself to a 5-1 win over Neumann University (1-6-1, 1-1-1 UCHC) on Saturday afternoon in UCHC women's ice hockey action at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, Pa.
The Golden Wolves held a 1-0 lead after the first frame, but blew it open with three goals in the second period. Alvernia bookended the game with its final goal in the third period for the 5-1 win.
Just under five minutes into the action, Alvernia killed off a 5v3 power play for the Knights after two Golden Wolves were sent to the box. The Knights got off nine shots during the course of the 5v3, but Alvernia, behind goalie Julia Beaven, kept the Knights off the board.
After 15:15 of action in the first period, Lauren Cyzmek sent in a shot that Jasmine Hughes was able to deflect in for Alvernia's first goal of the game.
Alvernia Women's Ice Hockey Following Their 5-1 Win Over Neumann.
The game was a Mental Health Awareness Game in Partnership with Neumann.
Both the Knights and Golden Wolves were able to get off several more shots in the final minutes of the first period, but the game would be a 1-0 advantage in favor of Alvernia going into the break.
As time was expiring on an Alvernia powerplay, Alvernia's Olivia Gilida was able to fire off a shot and extend Alvernia's lead to 2-0 after 3:48 of second period play.
Just over two minutes later, Alvernia made it a 3-0 game when Abby Reisinger found the back of the net off an assist from Sydney Bradley.
The Golden Wolves continued to pile it on with Lexi Hooper lighting the lap with just over five minutes remaining in the second period.
But, just under a minute later, the Knights spoiled Alvernia shutout attempt when Gabby Messa intercepted an attempt by an Alvernia defender to clear the puck. Messa took the interception and fired right past Beaven to make it a 4-1 game.
Both teams ended the period with a player in the box, but neither team was able to take advantage of the 4v4 situation as the game went into the intermission with Alvernia holding the 4-1 lead.
Alvernia's final goal of the afternoon came off the stick of Camryn Luizzi as the first year netted her first career goal and put Alvernia up 5-1.
The Golden Wolves took the 5-1 lead all the way to the finish for the win.
Beaven picked up the win in net for Alvernia with 27 saves.
On top of her goal, Gilida also finished with an assist and four blocks. Bradley finished with two assists for Alvernia. Reisinger finished with one goal and led Alvernia with 18 faceoff wins on 29 attempts.
Alvernia is off next week for the Thanksgiving break, but returns to action the following week at home with a two game series with Utica.