EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. – The Wilkes University field hockey team hosted Alvernia University at Bruggeworth Field on Saturday afternoon, suffering their first defeat of the young season to the Golden Wolves 5-0.

Wilkes falls to 2-1 overall with the loss, while Alvernia improves to 1-2 on the year.

Both teams were evenly matched in the first quarter as each side fired four shots but were unable to find the back of the net. Wilkes held strong into the second quarter as well, but Alvernia broke the deadlock at 28:33 with a goal from Ava Michael just before the end of the half.

The Golden Wolves doubled their lead in the third quarter and withstood a late flurry of Colonel shots off penalty corners in the 43rd minute to take a 2-0 lead into the fourth.

Wilkes fired off five shots in the fourth quarter, the most of any period, but were unable to score. Alvernia scored three goals in the final frame to take a 5-0 victory on the road.

Lydia Keppel (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) led the Colonels with five shots and four on goal. In goal, Chloe Gilroy (Manchester, NH/Pace University) made the start and registered four saves, while Olivia Wickel (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) picked up two saves playing the last 11 minutes of the game.
Kelsy McClintock led Alvernia with two goals, while Zoe Caloviras made seven saves in goal.

Prior to the day's game, Wilkes Athletics helped welcome home First Lieutenant Madeline Wickel, to the surprise of her sister Olivia, who is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st Air Assault Divison, Third Brigade Rakkasans, 1-187 Leader Battalion as an Infantry Officer.

Wilkes returns to Schmidt Stadium on Wednesday, September 10^th as they host cross-town rival King's College at 7:00 p.m.