(boxscore)

Sophomore Natalie Gifford (Morton, PA) scored with 10:05 left and the defense did its job for Widener in a 1-0 Commonwealth Conference victory at Alvernia in Reading, PA.

After a cross in front was knocked away by Alvernia goalkeeper Abby Eby, Gifford put home the rebound for her third goal of the season.

Widener (9-4, 2-2 CC) limited Alvernia to one shot thereafter for its fifth victory in the last six games.

Junior Megan Purcell (Perkasie, PA) made three saves with Gifford, senior Jackie Elliott (Upper Darby, PA) and junior Megan Scarpinato (Sewell, NJ) attempting two shots apiece for the Pride.

Brittany Barcus had three shots and Eby made five saves for the Crusaders (9-7, 2-3).

Widener hold a 1/2 game lead over Alvernia for fourth place in the conference.

Widener on Saturday hosts Shenandoah in another league match on Senior Day.  Game time is 1:00 pm.