133 to 67. Although these numbers might seem to have no connection to each other, they do hold significance to how the Muhlenberg women’s lacrosse team has been performing. The Mules have outscored their opponents (133-67), a point differential of 66. According to NCAA stat records of the season so far, that would place the Mules as the 23rd ranked scoring offense of 283 DIII women’s lacrosse teams.
The offensive attack is not spearheaded by just one player. Instead, the Mules rely on a multitude of highly skilled scorers on the roster. Head Coach Kristen Stuckel had high praise for how the offense is able to spread the ball out. “Our driving force behind our success is that our scoring and assists are spread out among many players. Ariella Lerner [‘22] leads with the number of goals, but Nicole Steiner [‘24], Maddie Dill [‘22], Emily Gaffney [‘23], Ellsa Peabody [‘23] all have great numbers, along with Sam Eynon [‘23], who is tied for the most points for goals and assists. Our team also adapts and plays smart as the game progresses.”
If a team decides to defensively shut down any of the previously mentioned players, rest assured that the remainder will fill in the void and tally up the scoreboard. That’s what Steiner applauds about her team. “The thing I have enjoyed most about our team’s success so far this year is the way we play together as a team. Everyone is unselfish, and it doesn’t matter which player is the one scoring the goal or making the big play. Many of my goals come from passes from my teammates when I am cutting to the goal. I rely on them to get me the ball in a good spot to score. Lacrosse is truly a team game.”
Not only has the offense produced results on a high level, but the defense has essentially been on lockdown this season. The Mules are posted near the top 50 in scoring defense, helped by the countless hard-nosed defensive players on the team that deserve more recognition than they get. “Defense is a really important aspect of our success and often those players don’t get recognized enough,” said Steiner.
Stuckel, a second-team All-Central Region defensive player during her playing days at Gettysburg College, has her roots within a defensive identity. So far, Stuckel is pleased with the group’s performance on the defensive side of the field. “Our defense has done a top-notch job of becoming cohesive and gritty with upperclassmen Michaela Mosher [‘22] and Sarah Duffy [‘23] leading the way along with the fast feet of Grace Bruther [‘23], helping Missy [Melissa] Pierpont [‘25] and Ellie [Ellison] Ervin [‘25] step into starting positions.”
The Mules have now entered Centennial Conference play on a hot streak, going 7-1 and showing the ability to win in various fashions. In their season opener, versus cross-town rival Moravian College, the Mules managed to defend Scotty Wood Stadium with a close 18-17 victory. After the near loss, the closest win the Mules have is an 18-12 win over Framingham State University, and the rest have been essentially blowouts.
For Steiner, the Moravian game provided needed motivation for herself and the rest of the team. “Our first game of the year when we gave up a big lead but came back to win says a lot about our team. We have kept that attitude throughout the season; not getting down on ourselves and being confident. But in each game when one of our players scores their first career goal or does something great to help the team that moment is exciting also.”
When the Mules complete the remaining half of the season, the hopes are they will be sitting on top of the Centennial Conference. Claiming the conference, however, is much easier said than done. Currently, only two out of the ten teams have a record below .500. For Steiner, she is excited to be playing against familiar faces, especially since they will be coming to ‘Berg. “We are all really excited for the bulk of our Centennial Conference schedule. Our conference is one of the [best] in Division III Women’s Lacrosse. These games are going to be a real test for us. It is great that the majority of the games will be at Scotty Wood Stadium. Playing at home in front of our friends and family and the Muhlenberg community makes it even more meaningful and gives us a big edge.”
