A record season for the Muhlenberg men's lacrosse team ended with a heartbreaking loss.

Franklin & Marshall scored with 1:31 left in overtime to defeat the Mules, 9-8, in the first round of the Centennial Conference playoffs. The Diplomats (9-7) advance to face top-seeded Dickinson in the semifinals.

The Mules (11-6), hosting a CC playoff game for the first time and seeking their first CC playoff win, ended with a mark of 11-6, tying the school record for wins in a season.

Muhlenberg led 5-3 midway through the second quarter before going on a long dry spell. The Mules went more than 28 minutes without scoring while F&M scored five straight to take an 8-5 lead into the final period.

The Muhlenberg defense put up a zero in the fourth quarter, and junior Wyatt Malia finally broke the drought with 8:47 left in the game. Senior Jason Metz made it 8-7 with 3:50 to play, and Malia tied the game with just 57 seconds on the clock.

Muhlenberg opened the overtime period with a man advantage and turned the ball over, but got it right back by breaking up the F&M clear attempt. After a Mule shot to win the game was saved, the Diplomats cleared the ball and scored the winner with the possession clock about to expire.

All four CC playoff games in the last two years have been decided by one goal.

Metz and senior Jack Kraemer each scored two goals in their final game, while fellow seniors Dominick Visintin (pictured above) and James Dalimonte netted one apiece.

Senior Max May made 13 saves, including three in the fourth quarter.

Junior Matthew Regan led the defense with 5 ground balls, and junior Aidan Murphy caused 3 turnovers.