CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2016) – Sophomore Allison Gallagher (Souderton, Pa.) scored a career-high 30 points and freshman Emily Hardy (Lewisberry, Pa.) recorded a double-double to propel the Widener University women's basketball team to a convincing 80-56 victory over Alvernia on Saturday afternoon at the Schwartz Center.
 
Alvernia (6-8, MAC Commonwealth 1-4) got off to a strong start and burst out to a 16-8 lead by the 4:46 mark of the first quarter, but the Pride came back with a vengeance. Gallagher canned a 3-pointer to begin the rally before senior Nikki Sutliff (Sweet Valley, Pa.) drained one from downtown to close out the scoring in the frame and give the hosts their first lead at 23-20.
 
By using a suffocating defense, Widener did not allow the Crusaders to convert a field goal for a span of 8:24 between the first and second quarters. Gallagher and freshman Tasjah Davis combined to net the Pride's first 17 points of the next frame and helped the hosts embark on a 28-5 run. Sophomore Julia Venturelli sank a jumper that was set up by Gallagher to make it a 42-24 contest, and the Pride would eventually take a 15-point advantage into the break.
 
The Pride, who had a commanding 53-20 advantage on the boards, maintained their double-digit lead throughout the third quarter and stayed in control for the duration of the fourth. Gallagher set her career scoring mark by sinking a jumper at the 9:09 mark before closing out her productive afternoon with a layup to make it 68-44 with under eight minutes left. The lead ballooned to 28 on a layup by senior Ally Ferrucci (Vineland, N.J.), and freshman Julia Sanders (Pitman, N.J.) scored her first collegiate basket to add more than enough insurance in the waning minutes.
 
In addition to setting a career high with 30 points, Gallagher also contributed seven rebounds, two assists and one steal to lead the way for Widener. Hardy notched her second double-double in the last four games by registering 10 points and 10 boards. She also shot 5-of-6 from the field and blocked two shots. Davis registered two career highs with five rebounds and three assists while also netting five points. Freshman Emma Gardy (Warrington, Pa.) netted a career-best four points down the stretch.
 
Alvernia was paced by Tyra Roberts, who contributed 18 points and six rebounds. Chelsea Ebersole and Jenna Wolff also reached twin figures by scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.
 
Widener (10-4, MAC Commonwealth 3-2) continues league play when it visits Lebanon Valley on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 6:00 p.m.