The Muhlenberg women's lacrosse team turned to its defense in the second half and won its Centennial Conference opener at McDaniel, 7-5.

The Mules (7-1, 1-0) led 7-2 at halftime and won despite not scoring a goal in the second half. They had never before won a CC game in which they scored fewer than eight goals. Muhlenberg hadn't won a game scoring only seven goals since a 7-6 defeat of Drew in 1997.

The win also improved the Mules' road record to 6-0, tying the school record for road wins in a season.

Muhlenberg's defense forced 11 McDaniel turnovers in the second half while allowing only nine shots. After the Green Terror (5-4, 0-1) scored with 1:15 remaining to cut the margin to two, the Mules did not allow another short, forcing turnovers on McDaniel's final two possessions.

Muhlenberg has allowed only eight goals in its last two games, and just two from the run of play, with the rest coming on free-position shots.

Senior Ellison Ervin (pictured above) made 8 saves in goal, with half of her stops coming on free-position attempts.

Senior Emily Vaughan caused 3 turnovers, while senior Lisa DeCristofaro, sophomore Alyssa Hartnett and freshman Janna Weltner caused a pair apiece.

Sophomore Emma Youngling led the offense with 4 goals, including three in a 4-0 run that gave the Mules a 6-1 lead late in the first half. Junior Ava Milia added a pair of goals, and sophomore Lauren Moylan put in the final Muhlenberg tally.