The Muhlenberg women's basketball team continued its surge, rolling past Washington College, 82-40, for its fifth straight win.

Just three weeks after losing to the Shorewomen at home for the first time ever, the Mules (13-6, 10-4) dominated so much that they rested their five starters for the entire fourth quarter. With three weeks remaining in the regular season, Muhlenberg is one game out of first place in the Centennial Conference.

The Mules shot 46.2 percent from the field and held Washington (8-11, 5-9) to 25-percent shooting. They also held a commanding 58-30 advantage in rebounding.

Junior Rachel Plotke scored a game-high 17 points, making five three-pointers for the fourth time in five games. Junior Chelsea Gary recorded her second double-double in the last three games with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and she also blocked four shots. Senior Maggie Zerbe scored 10 points.

Junior Brandi Vallely finished with 12 assists for the second straight game, surpassing 400 assists for her career. Freshman Caroline Hogg scored a career-high eight points and blocked two shots.

The Shorewomen led 8-7 six minutes into the game before Muhlenberg kicked it into gear. A three-pointer by junior Sara Dilly gave the Mules a 10-8 lead, and after a Washington basket tied the score, sophomore Carley Hamilton hit an elbow jumper to kick off a quarter-ending 7-0 run.

Muhlenberg turned the game into a runaway in the second quarter, finishing the half on a 24-4 run to take a 43-18 lead into the locker room. Vallely had seven assists in the second period alone, including one to Hogg (pictured above) for a buzzer-beating jumper.

The Mules maintained their commanding lead throughout the second half, leading by at least 30 points for the entire fourth quarter with their reserve lineup.

Of the 19 Muhlenberg players who saw action, 14 scored at least one point.