HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata field hockey team got its 2016 season underway on Thursday afternoon as it hosted Alvernia at Goodman Field at Knox Stadium. The result, however, did not go the Eagles' way as the Crusaders won 2-1 in overtime.

The two teams were scoreless after the first half. The Crusaders led the Eagles 4-1 in shots but the Juniata defense was able to repel the Alvernia attack.

The game did not remain scoreless for very long in the second half. Just 1:43 in, Sarah Alexander (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg) connected with Brittani LaFollette (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point) for the goal as Juniata led 1-0.

The Eagle lead lasted for less than eight minutes. Alvernia's Margaret Wentzel was able to get the score for the Crusaders to tie the game at 1-1. Alvernia would continue to attack at the cage but goalkeeper Kylie Edwards (Danville, Pa./Danville) was able to turn away five shots as the game went into and extra period.

In overtime, Alvernia needed less than two minutes to get the game-winning score. After a penalty corner by Erica Groves, Wentzel was able to get a shot off that was saved by Edwards. Taylor Dorrin was able to pick up the loose ball and find Groves who deposited the ball in for the goal.

The Crusaders led in total shots 16-4. They also had a sizable advantage in corners, 11-1.

Edwards and Santana Mays (Parkton, Md./Hereford) both split time in the cage for JC. Edwards received the start and tallied eight saves in 58:39 of game time. Mays played 23:01 and picked up four saves.

Juniata will return to action next Wednesday when it hosts Lebanon Valley. Game time will be at 7:00 p.m.