Junior transfer Jill Rosolie (Quarryville, PA/Solanco) opened the game with two of her team-high 12 and assisted on a pair of buckets as the Crusaders (7-4, 5-0 PAC) opened up an 18-6 lead over the first nine minutes. Alvernia held Marywood to just 21 percent from the floor over the opening 20 minutes and enjoyed a 34-19 lead at the break.
Alvernia returned the favor shooting 22 percent in the second half, but senior guard Lauren Fortna (Lebanon, PA/Lebanon) tallied 10 of her 12 after the break to help carry the Crusaders. Marywood cut the gap down to eight points with a 9-2 run to open the second half, but Fortna scored on a jumper, a 3, and a layup to push the lead back to 15 points with 14:13 to play.
The lead remained in double figures until the final 2 ½ minutes, but Marywood got no closer than six. Alvernia will return home for a non-conference game with York College (Pa.) on Monday.
Alvernia 54, Marywood 46