Reading, Pa. - (2/19/2022) - A 3-3 contest with 3:16 remaining in the first quarter, today's game at Alvernia University (1-0) ended with Gwynedd Mercy University (1-1) on the short end of a 17-10 final.

The Wolves separated from the Griffins in the closing minutes of that first period, marking four consecutive tallies (2:35, 1:50, 0:16, 0:00) en route to a 7-3 quarter break. Gwynedd Mercy University turned up the defense in the second quarter as they limited Alvernia University to a single score and an 8-3 (8:47) halftime lead.

After intermission, two more home tallies (13:18, 13:07) advanced the deficit to seven goals, 10-3, before senior attack Anna Grace Bernicker (Merion Station, Pa.) marked the Griffins' fourth goal with unassisted effort with 11:25 remaining in the third quarter; 10-4. She later bookend the Wolves 11th score, 11-4 (10:59), with her second score of the game at 10:42; 11-5. Unfortunately, a 5-0 Alvernia University run ended the frame, 16-5 (1:34), and provided the necessary distance to endure the Griffins in a 17-10 (2:44) conclusion.

Bernicker was one of three Griffins to record two goals in the affair; she scored her two tallies on three shots and controlled a draw. Senior attack Laura Pelczar (Philadelphia, Pa.) offered a team-high three points as she paired two goals with an assist on the score of junior defender Seydel Acuna (Philadelphia, Pa.) (17-9, 4:22). She also recorded two ground balls, two draw controls, and a caused turnover. Meanwhile, junior midfielder Damali Teagle (Philadelphia, Pa.) supported her two goals with three ground balls and a caused turnover. Acuna additionally provided two ground balls, four draw controls, and two caused turnovers.

In goal, junior Reilly Owens (Pottstown, Pa.) took the loss (1-1) despite off-setting the 45-23 shot discrepancy with a career-high 18 saves.

Gwynedd Mercy University competes next on Wednesday, February 23, when they welcome Delaware Valley University to campus for a 4:00 p.m. home opener.