READING, Pa.– Eastern University Field Hockey saw a late rally fall just short in a 3-2 loss at Alvernia. The Eagles had two break away chances in the final five minutes, but the Alvernia keeper was quick and physical off her line to power the ball away before Ali Balmer could release a shot.

How it Happened:
The Eagles scored first in the match, but the Golden Wolves answered within minutes. The Eastern goal came in the 13th minute after Balmer tried to push a ball across the line from directly in front of the goal. Each time, the Alvernia goalie stopped the ball, but gave a rebound. After three attempts, the carom came to Hannah Doll who pushed home her first career tally.

After the Golden Wolves scored in transition in the 14th minute, neither team could find the goal the rest of the first half. Both goalies were active through the first 35 minutes. Marley Redfield made 12 of her 15 saves in the first half. Nicole Heinze made ten stops for Alvernia (7-6).

Two early goals for the hosts put the Eagles (3-10) down 3-1 with 25 minutes to play. Eastern grabbed one back when Joelle Wash went high with a shot on a penalty corner. She took the insert from Doll and ripped a shot right under the crossbar to make it a one-goal game with a little less than 22 minutes left.

The Eagles controlled field position and possession for much of the final 20 minutes, but the best chances came on the Eagles' final penalty corner and when Balmer and Alison Hoag were able to find space in transition.

Up Next:
The Eagles return to MAC Freedom games with a homecoming match against DeSales on Saturday before hosting Misericordia next Wednesday. The Eagles fell in overtime in both those matches last fall.