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The Muhlenberg women's lacrosse team not only got postseason experience, it figured out the formula for postseason success.

Just like they did in their ECAC Mid-Atlantic Tournament semifinal win against Marymount, the Mules built a lead in the first half and survived some anxious moments in the second half ater the lead was cut to two, scoring a late goal to put the game away and win by four.

This time the opponent was Stockton, and the 13-9 win gave Muhlenberg its first championship ever. The Mules finished the season with a school-record 13 wins.

"I told the team - you have the opportunity to make history," said head coach Kristen Stuckel. "I couldn't be more proud of the team. They persevered through the ups and downs of the season and really showed their true character today."

"It's definitely bittersweet," remarked senior Casey Armstrong following her last game. "I'm officially not an athlete, which is bizarre to me. But it's always good to end on a win. My teammates are my best friends and I wouldn't want to finish anywhere else than on my home field with a W."

Armstrong ended on a high note, earning Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring three goals in the championship game to go along with her five in the semifinal. Junior Kelsey Nagle scored a career-high five goals against Stockton to win the team scoring title with 71 points. Junior Stephanie D'Ascoli recorded four assists.

Junior Sara Allison played a terrific game in goal, making 12 saves - several at point-blank range. 

Two goals by Nagle, one by Armstrong - her 50th of the season - and one by sophomore Eliza Clark gave the Mules (13-5) an early 4-1 lead. After the Ospreys (13-6) got one goal back, Muhlenberg scored the next three (two by Armstrong) to extend its lead to five.

Junior Nora Fisher scored off a pass from sophomore Jordy Bonvini with 27.3 seconds left in the first half to make it 8-4. Nagle and freshman Amanda Tullo netted goals 23 seconds apart early in the second half to give the Mules their biggest lead at 10-4.

Stockton then went on a 5-1 run to close to within two goals, but Fisher bounced in a free position shot with 4:43 left to create some breathing room. Fisher controlled the ensuing draw and Muhlenberg killed off most of the remaining time, with a goal by Nagle with 21.1 seconds left providing the final margin.

Senior Amanda Orlak intercepted a pass as the horn sounded, setting off a celebration. 

The Mules excelled on the draws, winning 18 of 24. Armstrong, Bonvini and freshman Caroline Dolan recorded four draw controls apiece. Tullo, Orlak, Bonvini and senior Rachel Pedersen tied for the team lead with three ground balls each.