Women's Ice Hockey Alvernia Athletic Communications

Franklin Scores Twice as Alvernia Picks Up 3-1 Win Over Lebanon Valley

HERSHEY, PA - Alvernia University picked up the series sweep over Lebanon Valley College, 3-1, on Saturday night to secure at least a share of the MAC Women's Ice Hockey title for the second straight season.

Alvernia scored a goal in each period en route to the 3-1 win. With the win, Alvernia improved to 11-8-2 overall and 9-7-2 in UCHC play. Alvernia also improved to 7-1 in MAC play. With the loss for Lebanon Valley, the Dutchmen drop to 5-16-1 overall and 4-13-1 in UCHC play.

Alvernia's win over Lebanon Valley marked its final MAC game of the season. Alvernia finished with 21 conference points off of seven wins. Alvernia will await the result of King's vs. Arcadia on February 7th to determine if the Golden Wolves will share the 2023-24 title with the Knights. 

This is the second straight season Alvernia earned the MAC title. The Golden Wolves won it outright last season with 24 points.

How it Happened
  • Alvernia got on the board early in the sixth minute on an unassisted short-handed goal by Julia Franklin as a power play for the Dutchmen was about to expire.
  • Alvernia's 1-0 lead lasted just over four minutes as Lebanon Valley evened the game at 1-1 as the period surpassed its midpoint.
  • Alvernia had two later power play opportunities to close out the first period, but the Golden Wolves could not break the 1-1 tie.
  • Alvernia broke the tie two minutes into the second period as Franklin scored on a shot from off the left post that snuck in past the Lebanon Valley goalie to give Alvernia the 2-1 lead.
  • The Golden Wolves killed off a Lebanon Valley power-play midway through the period to maintain the one goal lead. 
  • The Dutchmen outshot Alvernia 11-7 in the second period, but it was the Golden Wolves who took the 2-1 lead going into the final frame.
  • The Golden Wolves added an insurance goal seven minutes into the third period as Jasmine Hughes scored her first of the season off the assist of Sikke Ask.
  • The Dutchmen peppered in shots in the final two minutes, but each was blocked by an Alvernia defender before reaching goalie Julia Beaven as the Golden Wolves came away with the 3-1 win.

Inside the Box Score
  • Franklin led Alvernia with two points off of two goals. Ask and Hughes each finished with one point.
  • Sofia King led Alvernia with three blocks and Amber Steinhilpert went 9-for-10 on the faceoff to lead the Golden Wolves.
  • Beaven picked up the win in net with 21 saves.

Of Note
  • Franklin finished the weekend with four points off of three goals and an assist.
  • Alvernia has now won five straight against the Dutchmen dating back to November 6, 2021. Alvernia has also won seven of the last eight meetings. The Golden Wolves have allowed just six Lebanon Valley goal's during that eight game stretch.
  • With the win, Alvernia is in a tie for fifth in UCHC standings with Arcadia. Both have 29 UCHC points. The Golden Wolves and Knights split their UCHC/MAC series earlier this season.

Up Next
  • Alvernia takes a break from UCHC and MAC play next weekend to host a two-game series against Albertus Magnus.