EDWARDSVILLE- A penalty stroke in the 10th minute of overtime (80^th overall) was the decisive score as the Wilkes University field hockey team was defeated 2-1 by Alvernia University at Schmidt Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Colonels fell to 4-3 with the loss while the Crusaders improved to 3-3.

Alvernia struck for the only goal in the first half, gaining a 1-0 advantage in the 27^th minute.

Wilkes came out in the second half fast, when freshman back Alysa Adams (Sweet Valley, PA/Lake Lehman) deflected a shot taken by sophomore forward Marissa Surdy (Mountaintop, PA/Crestwood) from the top of the circle to tie the score at 1-1. The game would remain tied through the end of regulation.

In the 80^th minute, the Crusaders were awarded a penalty stroke following a Lady Colonels penalty in the circle, which Alvernia was able to convert for the win.

Wilkes freshman goalkeeper Dallas Kendra (Mountaintop, PA/Crestwood) made nine saves in the effort.

The Lady Colonels will return to action on Wednesday when they travel to the University of Scranton for a 7 p.m. non-conference match. They return to Schmidt Stadium next Saturday the 26^th to host Manhattanville College in the Freedom Conference opener at 1 p.m.