RADNOR, Pa. – The Cabrini women's basketball team returned to the Nerney Field House hardwood on Wednesday night for the first time in 32 days, but could not push past non-conference opponent Alvernia University down the stretch in a 48-45 loss. Junior guard Laura Caron and freshman forward Colleen Stewart each scored 10 points for the Cavaliers in the loss.

Caron also pulled down five rebounds and dished three assists. Stewart totaled four rebounds as she matched her season-best scoring total.

Senior guard Julie Bonomo and freshman guard Brittany Sandone each netted six points for the Blue & White. Freshman forward Annie Rivituso added five points and team-best seven rebounds.

Cabrini trailed by one point, 46-45, with 25 seconds remaining in the second half. Out of a 30-second timeout, Sandone's lay-in attempt missed and Alvernia earned the jump-ball possession arrow with only 3.3 ticks left.

Junior center Angela Altemose calmly sunk two free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining to push the Crusaders lead to three points, 48-45. Alvernia clinched the victory after forcing a turnover on the Cavaliers' inbound.

Cabrini led by as much as 10 points in the first half, but clung to just a one-point edge, 24-23 at the intermission. A basket from Alvernia senior guard Lil Snyder at the 16:24 mark of the second period supplied the visitors with a  lead they would never relinquish.

The Crusaders twice opened up an eight-point advantage in the final 20 minutes. However, back-to-back lay-ins from Stewart pulled the Cavaliers to within one point on two different occasions in the final 2:21.

Altemose led the Alvernia charge with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Junior forward Allie Toczylowski scored six points and recorded 13 boards.

Cabrini (3-8, 2-1 CSAC) resumes its Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) regular season schedule on the road at Marywood University on Monday, Jan. 10. Game time against the Pacers is set for 6 p.m.