Reading, PA – (3/31/2010) – Alvernia University got the better of the Chestnut Hill College pitching staff in this afternoon's contest as the Crusaders used early runs and a strong start to defeat the Griffins 5-2. The Crusaders scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and with 13 total hits they add three more runs before the Griffins lit the scoreboard in the eighth inning.

Alvernia University (14-5) led off the contest with a single, and they immediately capitalized with a run-scoring single from junior second baseman Tim Ahlquist (Millville, NJ). The Crusaders led 2-0 after the first inning and they added a third run in the fourth inning, 3-0, with back-to-back, lead-off singles before tacking on additional runs in the fifth, 4-0, and seventh innings, 5-0. Chestnut Hill College (7-8) got on the scoreboard when the Crusaders finally went to the bullpen. A one-out, pinch-hit single from sophomore Joe Crane (Newtown, PA) got the Griffins going in the top of the eighth inning. Two batters later sophomore centerfielder Eric Blood (Perkasie, PA) walked and the Crusaders changed pitchers again. Sophomore third baseman Peter Kidd (New York, NY) welcomed the reliever to the contest with a two-run single to make the score 5-2 before the Crusaders could close out the Griffins.

Ahlquist went 4-for-4 with two runs and a run-batted-in (RBI) to headline the Crusaders' line-up. Junior pitcher Chuck Nicholas (Boyertown, PA) held the Griffins to two hits while striking out three over his seven inning start. He collected the win (3-2) for Alvernia University.

Sophomore left fielder Alex Latchum (Warrington, PA) had two hits for the Griffins, while three others recorded a hit apiece. Senior pitcher Robby Williams (Allentown, PA) took the loss (1-2) but struck out two in his only inning of work.

The baseball team will visit St. Thomas Aquinas College tomorrow, Thursday, April 1, for a 3:00 p.m. contest.