AUGUST 30, 2013

KING'S FIELD HOCKEY DROPS OPENER AT ALVERNIA

READING -- Natalie Messaros scored three goals and added assist to power host Alvernia University to a season-opening 6-1 victory over King's College in a non-conference field hockey matchup Friday in Reading.

Sara Galanti gave Alverina a 1-0 lead 12:59 into the game on an unassisted tally. King's knotted the score at 1-1 when Alyssa Monaghan struck net unassisted at 29:42. But the Crusaders closed out the half with a goal by Messaros with just 1:28 left in the opening stanza to put the host squad on top 2-1 at the break.

In the second half Alvernia struck quickly on a goal by Summer Liberto at 37:59 and back-to-back scores from Messaros at 43:41 and 44:49 to put the Crusaders on top 5-1. Alvernia added the final goal of the game when Liberto scored her second goal of the game  at 55:30.

Alvernia posted a 21-13 advantage in shots. King's goalie Megan Withrow made 13 saves in net while Crusader keepers Misty Cox and Erin Wunsch combined for five stops.

King's will next compete in the Misericordia University Invitational Friday and Saturday in nearby Dallas.