Although the weather conditions were drastically different from the last Muhlenberg women’s lacrosse game, the outcome was the same.

The Mules hosted Widener and came out with another win, 13-5, to brighten their spirits on such a cold and dreary day. The victory is the Mules’ fifth straight to open the season,

Shadood picked up three ground balls in this game after previously having just four on the season.

and it sets a school record for most consecutive wins – six – dating back to last year.

“We kicked off the season the same way last year, but I can tell a difference between that team and this team,” said sophomore goalie Caroline Shadood. “Especially on defense, we are playing much stronger.”

The defense actually started off a little shaky, allowing Widener to score two goals 16 seconds apart, and putting Muhlenberg in a 2-1 hole five minutes in.

“The team got a little frazzled when we weren’t winning the draws, but we got our composure back,” said sophomore Sara Hiller.

The Pride lead was short-lived, as the Mule defense stepped it up and held Widener scoreless the rest of the half. Muhlenberg capitalized and scored six goals of its own to head into halftime with the advantage, 7-2.

Sophomore Ruth Morrongiello scored all three of her goals – one of which came on a free position shot – during that stretch and assisted on another. She has recorded a hat trick in every game so far this season.

“We all came out so enthusiastically today,” Morrongiello said. “It was

Hiller (pictured) dished this assist to Morrongiello with 11:18 to go in the first half to bump the Mules’ advantage to 6-2.

great. I’m grinning from ear to ear.”

The Mules opened the second half with a free position goal 46 seconds in and grew their lead to seven, 9-2, less than 30 seconds later. The Pride cut that lead to 9-4 with 21:06 to go, but Muhlenberg scored four more times to seal the win.

Morrongiello and Hiller each led the Mules with three goals and an assist. Five other players scored two points apiece, including a trio of freshmen - Alyssa Bascelli, Amanda McGovern and Danielle Scarrone - who each netted two goals.

The other two scorers were senior Katie Reimann (one goal, one assist) and junior Marissa Capuano (two assists).

On the defensive end, senior Kelli Sakonchick played a solid game, picking up five ground balls and causing two turnovers on stick checks. She played in front of Shadood, who made a season-high 10 saves on the day.

“I just try to go to the ball every time,” Shadood said. “That’s what a goalie is supposed to do!”

This victory puts the Mules in good standing, as they get ready to tackle a tough conference schedule. First up is Dickinson, on whom they seek revenge after last year’s rough matchup.

“We’re ready this time,” Morrongiello said.

Click here for box score.