Alvernia University announced that senior forward Ava Michael and sophomore forward Chase Malone have been named Athletes of the Week for their outstanding performances during the opening week of the 2026 athletic season.
Ava Michael's Breakout Week
Michael, a senior forward on the field hockey team, propelled the Golden Wolves to a 1-1 start, tallying five points that included two goals and an assist in a decisive 2-0 road victory over Susquehanna. That win not only secured the program’s first triumph over Susquehanna since September 2008 but also marked head coach Cody Savitsky’s inaugural career victory.
Her contributions extended to a game‑tying goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to Gettysburg, underscoring her role in keeping Alvernia competitive across both ends of the field.
Chase Malone's Soccer Surge
Malone, a sophomore forward for the men’s soccer squad, helped the team achieve a 2-1 start to the week with two game‑winning goals. He broke the deadlock in the 61st minute of a 3-0 win over Lancaster Bible College and later added insurance goals to seal a 3-1 victory against Penn State Berks, showcasing his knack for delivering when it mattered most.
The Golden Wolves are slated to face Wilkes in a field hockey showdown on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., while the soccer team will travel to Penn State Harrisburg for a 4:00 p.m. match later this week, continuing the momentum generated by their recent successes.
Both athletes’ performances have highlighted a broader resurgence for Alvernia’s athletic programs, reflecting the impact of Coach Savitsky’s leadership and the growing depth of talent within the university’s sports offerings.