The Muhlenberg softball team won one close game and one not-so-close one, extending its winning streak to nine by sweeping DeSales, 7-6 and 8-0.

The Mules (26-8) reached a wins level achieved only four times previously in program history: The 1991 team was 26-9, the 2024 team finished 26-16, and the 2013 squad set a Muhlenberg College record for all sports by compiling a record of 31-9-1.

In the first game, the Mules stole their 100th base of the season, adding five more in the second game to close in on the school record of 107 swipes in a season. 

And in the second game, freshman Eden Clark recorded her 100th strikeout of the season, becoming only the fifth different pitcher in program history to reach the century mark. Clark, who entered the game ranked sixth in Division III in strikeouts per seven innings, also notched her first career complete game and shutout. The reigning Centennial Conference pitcher of the week allowed only three hits and struck out eight in her gem, retiring the final batter on three straight swings and misses.

Clark was backed by plenty of early offense, as Muhlenberg put up three in the first, two in the second, and three in the third.

Junior Peri Kahn delivered the biggest hit, a two-run double in the third, while sophomores Ava Storlazzi and Hailey Godin and freshman Izzy Wilmot recorded two singles apiece.

There was much more drama in the first game.

The Mules appeared to be in control, with a 4-1 lead, two outs and nobody on in the fifth, before seven straight batters reached base safely to give the Bulldogs (12-17) a sudden 6-4 lead.

Muhlenberg answered back in the bottom of the fifth on a two-out, two run single by senior Scooter Hulsen that tied the game. 

The score remained 6-6 through the top of the seventh, and the game appeared headed to extra innings when the first two Mules in the bottom of the seventh were retired and sophomore Ellie Williams fell behind in the count, 0-2. But Williams took two balls, fouled off two pitches, and then banged a double to center field.

Senior Sophia Jacobson came in to pinch run and wasn't on the field long. Hulsen, the next batter, jumped on the first pitch and drove a double deep into the left-center gap to give Muhlenberg the walkoff win.

pictured above: Hulsen celebrates with teammates after the win

Storlazzi had the biggest hit early in the game, driving a bases-clearing, two-out double to deep left field in the second to bring in the first runs. Godin tripled to lead off the third and scored on a wild pitch.

Sophomore Abigail Kim earned the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, retiring seven of the nine batters she faced.

Hulsen also drove in a run on a squeeze bunt in the second game; her four RBI on the day moved her into second place on the Mules' all-time list with 94 for her career.