The Muhlenberg women's lacrosse team had plenty to celebrate in its season-opening 16-6 win against Moravian.

Two career milestones were among the big moments as the Mules overcame an early three-goal deficit to extend their non-conference winning streak to 15.

After hitting the post on her first two shots, senior Nicole Steiner finally connected with 5:24 left in the first quarter for her 100th career goal. She is the 16th player in program history to reach the century mark.

Senior Lily Seifert assisted on the first goal of the second half for her 100th career point. She is the 31st Muhlenberg player to reach the century mark in points.

As memorable as the offensive accomplishments were, it was the defense that made the difference against a Greyhound squad that scored 31 goals against the Mules in the last two meetings. Moravian jumped out to a 3-0 lead less than four minutes into the game, but the defense allowed only three more goals in the remaining 56 minutes. Muhlenberg was particularly effective with its ride, holding the Greyhounds to only 14 successful clears in 27 attempts.

Junior Ellison Ervin was spectacular in goal, making 12 saves, including 7 in the second quarter when the Mules took control of the game.

After the early 3-0 hole, Muhlenberg drew even with 23.4 seconds left in the first quarter when junior Jillian Kubikowski netted the second of her three goals. 

Freshman Alyssa Hartnett, making her collegiate debut, put the Mules ahead for good by burying a free-position shot 2:03 into the second quarter. Junior Emily Vaughan added to the lead just 27 seconds later. Two goals by sophomore Lauren Cherven and one by Steiner completed a 7-0 run and gave Muhlenberg a 9-4 lead.

Moravian scored in the waning seconds of the first half, but the Mules responded with the first six goals of the second half to turn the game into a runaway.

Steiner tied her career high of 6 goals and set a career best of 8 points, while Seifert matched her career best of 5 assists. Cherven notched her second career hat trick with a trio of goals, while Vaughan added a pair.

Muhlenberg enjoyed a big 17-8 advantage in draws, with Vaughan controlling 8 and junior Rebecca Himelfarb reeling in 5 to go along with 5 ground balls.

pictured above: junior Melissa Pierpont