muhlenberg claims matte award again

The Matte Award, like most sporting events, is usually a back-and-forth affair. But for the second straight school year Muhlenberg won the trophy in wire-to-wire fashion, claiming a 5-0 victory in men’s soccer in the first contest of the year and never looking back.

Seniors Nicki Notarianni of the field hockey team and Alyssa Bascelli of the women’s lacrosse team pose with the Matte trophy after representing Muhlenberg’s student-athletes at the annual luncheon.

The Mules built an insurmountable 10-2 lead and went on to win the annual all-sports competition with Moravian, 11½-6½, clinching ownership of the trophy for the seventh straight year with a 20-5 victory in women’s lacrosse.

Muhlenberg formally claimed the trophy at a luncheon attended by administrators, coaches and student-athletes from both schools.

“One of the great things about this rivalry is that we don’t have any of the problems that other rivalries have with unsportsmanlike conduct,” said Muhlenberg athletic director Sam Beidleman. “Everyone shakes hands and goes on their way.

“It’s a pleasure to have known Aaron Matte and been a part of this rivalry,” he added. “It is something that has been going on for a long time and is very special. And it’s our pleasure to take this trophy home with us once again.”

Below is a complete rundown of the 2009-10 Matte Award contests: