Lynchburg, Va. -- The Hornets fought until the end, finding the net in the 64th minute but two disallowed goals in the second half helped Alvernia to a 2-1 victory.

The Hornets were not only battling a tough Crusaders squad but the heat too, as the temperature steadily rose from the start of the game until the horn blew for the end of the game.

The first half was a stalemate as both teams were even in nearly every stat category. The Crusaders outshot the Hornets (7-4) and were awarded more corners (4-2) but the Hornets goalkeeper senior Beka Hess recorded more saves than her Crusader counterpart.

The Hornets got off to a slow start but picked up the pace and energy level in the second half. They created more chances and had 10 shots in the second half while also earning five penalty corners. Alvernia struck in the 36th and 56th minute to go up 2-0 but a goal by 2015 ODAC Player of the Year, sophomore Nikki Simpao in the 64th minute gave the Hornets hope.

Lynchburg was able to fire off four shots in the last seven minutes of play but could not beat Crusdaer goalkeeper Rebecca Brosious, who finished the game with 11 saves.

With lots to build of off from the past two games, the Hornets will travel to Harrisonburg, Va. on Sept. 13 for a neutral site contest against Lebanon Valley, the third Middle Atlantic Conference the Hornets will have faced this season. The ladies don't return to Shellenberger Field until Oct. 15 when they face off against preseason favorite, Washington & Lee.

Follow all the Hornets action live on the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network at lynchburgsports.com.