A 9-0 start to the game helped the Muhlenberg women’s lacrosse team to a 4-0 start on its season.

In a game they controlled from the 10-second mark, the Mules defeated Moravian, 16-7, to remain undefeated. They also tied the school record for longest winning streak –

Freshman Ashley Foltiny picked up two ground balls on defense and won a draw control.

five – dating back to last season, and the victory increases the school’s lead in the Matte Award standings to 8-2.

Muhlenberg’s first goal, scored by sophomore Sara Hiller and assisted by senior Katie Reimann, came just 10 seconds into the game. The Mules then scored four more goals in the next two minutes to take an early 5-0 lead, and each of those goals was scored by a different player.

“The more the merrier,” Reimann said. “It takes away some of the pressure so one player doesn’t feel like she has to score all the goals.”

Muhlenberg gave up its only goal of the first half to Moravian (0-2) on a free position shot at the 16-minute mark before going into halftime up, 14-1. The Mules missed tying the school record for goals in a half by one.

In taking such a convincing lead in the first half, sophomore goalie Caroline Shadood only had to make one save.

“Our defense has made a huge improvement,” Shadood said. “It feels

Sophomore Marguerite Farrell intercepted a pass and recorded two ground balls.

like I’ve had to make half the saves that I did last year. Everyone is denying the ball more so that it doesn’t even have a chance to get to me.”

Part of the balanced defense was senior Kelli Sakonchick, who picked up two ground balls and caused a turnover on a stick check.

Junior Taylor Armstrong fronted the scoring for the Mules, as she recorded six points on three goals and three assists to go along with five ground balls. Sophomore Ruth Morrongiello secured her fourth hat trick of the season, while junior Marissa Capuano scored her first goal of the season. Reimann added two goals and two assists.

Freshmen Alyssa Bascelli and Danielle Scaronne continued their strong play into this game, as well, as they each tallied three points on two goals and one assist apiece. Freshman Kimberly Seedor scored the first goal of her career on a free position shot in the first half.

“The freshmen have really filled their roles,” Armstrong said. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better from them.”

Although the Mules gave up six goals late in the second half, they were able to hang on and secure another win.

“This has been such a great way to start the season, and we couldn’t be happier,” Reimann said.

Click here for box score.