A fast-paced offense and an aggressive defense helped the Muhlenberg men's lacrosse team (8-6, 3-2) to a strong 15-10 win over the Franklin & Marshall Diplomats (8-5, 3-2).
The first goal for the Mules was scored just a minute and a half into the game by
Luc Belvill. The junior was one of three Mules to score four goals against the Diplomats, including freshman
Parker Kusko and junior
Daniel Friedel (
pictured). Friedel led the Mules in points with six and notched his 100
th career point with an assist to Kusko on the final goal of the game.
Muhlenberg moved the ball well, evidenced by their six assists; junior
Chase Kusko led the way with three.
Michael Drago was dominant on the face-offs, winning 15 of 27 opportunities and even scoring a goal off a face-off. He also led both teams with nine ground balls.
A strong offensive performance was key for the Mules in securing the win. After three consecutive goals scored by Belvill, P. Kusko, and Friedel in the second half, the Diplomats just could not keep up. The Mules scored six straight goals at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth quarters. The hosts would stay in front for the remainder of the game, even taking a lead as large as seven at one point.
The Mules' defense was also exceptional today, as they caused 18 Diplomat turnovers. The Mules capitalized on these turnovers, scoring four goals off of Diplomat giveaways. Senior
Jace Riley Day performed well in net, totaling seven saves. Muhlenberg was dominant in the ground ball department, picking up 32 of 56 total ground balls. The Mules also had 29 shots on goal compared to the Diplomats' 17.
Before the game, the Mules honored some of their recent alums. That contributed to what was an electric atmosphere all game long.