Playing in the fifth of six straight home matches to start its season, the Muhlenberg field hockey team used stingy defense and three first-period goals in a 3-1 win over Scranton.

The defense allowed just one shot in the first half, as the ball stayed mainly on the Royals’ side. Muhlenberg (4-1) took advantage of early opportunities, scoring three unanswered goals in that first frame.

Cohn’s assist was good for her first career point.

In the second half, the Royals stepped up their offensive pressure, totaling five shots in the period. In the opening minutes of the stanza, Scranton had two opportunities to score but both were stifled by the Mules’ back line.

WOMEN’S SOCCER SHUT OUT The Muhlenberg women’s soccer team was shut out by top-ranked defending national champion Messiah, 7-0, to fall to 2-2 for the season. The Falcons are undefeated in their last 56 regular-season matches. Click here for box score.

“We outplayed them in the first half, so we knew they would come out hard,” said senior back Kate Moyer. “We were prepared for that, and I think we stuck with them pretty well.”

Senior forward Jessica Hand opened up the scoring, deflecting a free hit from freshman Tara Cohn to beat the Royal ’keeper. Moments later, freshman Nicole Notarianni found the back of the cage for her team-leading fourth goal of the season. Her tally came off a rebound during one of the many first-half flurries.

Senior LisaAnn Polt notched her third goal of ’06 when she fired a rebound home off one of Muhlenberg’s six penalty corners. The Mules, who outshot Scranton 8-1 in the opening stanza, took a 3-0 lead into halftime.

The Royals finally scratched the scoring column when they converted on a penalty stroke with over five minutes to play.

The Mules have allowed only one goal in their four wins while outshooting their opponents by a 65-23 margin. The defense, which returned all starters from last season, has been the steady force in the 4-1 start to 2006.

“We communicate really well because we've been playing together for a good two years now,” Moyer said. “We’re pretty confident with our strong defense.”

Click here for box score.