READING, Pa. - Eastern University Women's Soccer earned a 2-1 win at Alvernia University on Saturday. Nicole Weenink scored what would become the game-winnner off a corner kick in the 56th minute.

The Eagles had much of the possession early, but were unable to create a decided advantage in chances against a patient and organized Alvernia defense. Alvernia (3-5) had two chances from distance that Adrianna Rowlands handled easily. The Eagles (4-5) also chances in the first 18 minutes, but Alondra Cervantes saw her shot blocked, and Emily Cole saw her attempt turned aside by Crusaders' goalkeeper Jessica Plunkett. 

Cole delivered a clever through ball to play Cervantes into space. Cervantes ripped a low shot from 20 yards out for her third tally of the year. Cole picked up her first assist of the year on the play.

"This game presented a real challenge for us," Head coach Dan Mouw stated after the match. "We knew we were going to have to carry the tempo of the match. We struggled to find the final pass. Emily did a nice job to draw the defender and play Lon into space. That changed the game for us."

The Eagles controlled much of the possession for the remainder of the half, but they were unable to convert that possession into more socring.  The Crusaders had a chance against the run of play that Rowlands smothered before it became a shot.

Eastern had an 8-4 advantage in first-half shots and had all three corner kicks in the first half.

Weenink's tally came off the Eagles' fifth corner of the match. Lydia Peachey curled a hard cross in from the right side. Cole challenged on the initial cross and the rebound bounced once before Weenink cleaned up the loose ball for her second goal of the season.

"We are executing better on corners," Mouw continued. "I loved that Nicole had the confidence to deliver that finish with conviction."

The game appeared to be well in hand until the Crusaders grabbed one back in the 76th minute. Lauren Gough on the ball on a goal kick, pushed the ball out of her feet, and delivered a shot to the upper left corner. The Crusaders had three chances in the final seven minutes, but Lozzi saved a shot from distance and did well coming off her line to stop the first two. The Eagles had to block a shot on a late corner kick.

Lozzi and Rowlands combined for five saves in the match and the Eagles stretched their winning streak to three games.

"We have to work on closing out games and finishing our chances when we are up 2-0," Mouw concluded. "I am, however, pleased that we were able to hold on for a result. We will build on this."

Eastern will play at PSU-Harrisburg on Sept. 27th at 4:30 p.m.