Reading, Pa. (Mar. 13, 2022)- Westminster College (3-1) used a strong first half to defeat Alvernia University (0-4) 12-6 in a non-conference men's lacrosse matchup Sunday afternoon at Alvernia. The Titans kicked off the contest fast, netting a goal with 11:41 left in the opening stanza. Westminster (PA) expanded its lead four minutes later, recording a goal and pushing the lead to two. Alvernia responded, cutting the deficit in half as Ryan Gilman slipped a shot past the goalie to make it a one-score game with 5:48 left in the opening quarter. The Titans responded, tacking on three goals to their lead in the final 4:50 of the quarter. The Golden Wolves ended the first quarter down, 5-1. Westminster (PA) opened the scoring in the second quarter, netting a goal with 13:34 left in the stanza. Keith Lake responded for the Golden Wolves, finding the back of the net off an assist from Dylan Mercadante. The Titans responded, netting two goals halfway through the second quarter. These two quick goals put the Titans out in front by six. Westminster (PA) remained on the offensive, trying to grow its lead. Strong play in net from Dane Sabarese helped the Golden Wolves fend off the Titans' attacks. Westminster (PA) ended the first half on top of Alvernia, 8-2. Westminster carried its momentum into the second half, growing its lead off a shot from Ryan Greer with 12:35 left in the stanza. The Golden Wolves' offense rebounded quickly, with Peter Capasso firing a shot away. Despite the opportunity, the shot was saved, and the score remained 9-2. As the period progressed, both teams attempted to find the back of the net. The Golden Wolves managed to break through the Titans' defense late, with Mercadante finding the back of the net with 2:23 left to play. Alvernia ended the third period behind Westminster (PA), 9-3. The fourth quarter saw the Titans score early, pushing their lead back up to seven with 12:37 left in the contest. Alvernia responded minutes later, with Louis Ferrara recording a goal off an assist from Colin McFadyen. Westminster (PA) pushed the lead back to seven with 6:44 left to play off a goal from Payton Waight. Despite the deficit, the Golden Wolves kept pushing throughout the fourth quarter. With 3:06 left in the matchup, Kenneth Howley netted a goal to make it an 11-5 game in favor of the Titans. Alvernia recorded another goal with 1:32 left in the contest, this one coming off the stick of Cade Campbell with an assist from Michael Ferrara. In the contest's final seconds, the Titans added one more insurance goal, pushing their lead back to six. Westminster (PA) ended the contest on top of Alvernia, 12-6. Sabarese made his first collegiate start in the net, recording 26 saves during the contest. The Golden Wolves return to action Wednesday as they travel to Williamsport to faceoff against Penn College.