READING, Pa. – Hood College's Rachel Wiley (Frederick, Md. / Tuscarora) had a double-double to lead the Blazers to their first conference win, defeating Alvernia 60-56.

The senior notched 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots as Hood made a comeback in the second half.

Rachel Kessler (Middletown, Md. / Middletown) and Allie Appleby (Bel Air, Md. / C. Milton Wright) tallied 10 points apiece for the Blazers. Kessler had four steals and now has 12 over her last three games. Verkia Smith (Waldorf, Md. / North Point) added eight points.

After trailing at halftime, 29-21, the Blazers opened the second half with a 24-7 run over the first 12 minutes. Wiley had nine points in the run, including the back-to-back scores that tied the game and gave Hood the lead. Appleby scored six straight points at one point, including a two free throws that gave the Blazers their biggest lead, 45-36 with 8:56 left.

With Hood ahead 58-54, Alexis Briscoe (Columbia, Md. / Long Reach) blocked a shot and came up with the carom. The Crusaders were forced to foul and Briscoe iced the win with a pair of free throws with 23 seconds to play.

Tyra Roberts had a double-double for Alvernia with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Kaitlyn Yoh added 14 points and four assists.

The Blazers went 23-of-33 at the free throw line, making 10 more free throws than the Crusaders attempted in the contest. Hood's bench outscored Alvernia's reserves 15-5 in the contest. 

Hood will look for its third win in a row, when the Blazers travel to Widener for another conference matchup on January 10.