READING, PA – The York College women's soccer team battled host Alvernia University to a 0-0 tie in the championship game of the 2012 Crusader Classic in Reading, Pa. on a warm and muggy Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders earned the tournament title with a 4-3 victory in a shoot out used to determine the tournament champion.

Both teams are now 1-0-1 for the season.

The Spartan defense continued it's outstanding early season play as freshman defender Chelsea McDowell (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) spearheaded York's second straight shutout. She was named to the All-Tournament team for her efforts during the weekend. McDowell was joined on the all-tournament team by sophomore midfielder Clare Chatham (Ellicott City, Md./Mount Hebron) and sophomore forward Elizabeth Bunn (Lothian, Md./Calverton School).

Shots were at a premium for most of the game as the Green and White finished the contest holding a slight 12-10 edge in total shots while the Crusaders had a slight 6-5 margin in shots on goal. Both teams had three shots in the first half, two in the first overtime and one each in the second overtime. York recorded two more shots in the second period.

The Green and White did hold a big 6-0 advantage in corner kicks but that advantage didn't manifest itself into an advantage on the scoreboard for York.

Spartan sophomore goalie Melanie Glessner (Waldorf, Md./Thomas Stone) registered her second shutout of the year as she played all 110 minutes, recording six saves. Her Alvernia counter part, Colleen Maher, was equally as good as she made five stops in the tie.

In the shoot out, Bunn, Traci Mohl (Lebanon, Pa./Lebanon Catholic) and Caitlin Aversa (Severna Park, Md./Archbishop Spalding) each converted their opportunities but the Spartans' final two shooters wouldn't be able to convert their opportunities as the Crusaders captured the title.

The Spartans continue their season-opening four-match road trip with a contest at Elizabethtown College on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm.

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