HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College women's basketball team clamped down on defense, holding the Muhlenberg College Mules to 23.5 percent shooting (16-of-68) in its 61-40 victory at the Gooding '84 Arena on Tuesday night.

The Mules made just six baskets in the first half (19.4 percent). After a three-pointer by freshman Anna Schrecengost gave the Fords a 7-5 lead at the 12:48 mark, the home team finished the first stanza on a 24-9 run and went into halftime with a 31-14 advantage. Haverford made just one of its first nine shots, but went 10-of-19 for the rest of the half, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.  

With Haverford out in front 33-14 and 18:48 to go in the game, Muhlenberg went on a 10-2 run over the next four minutes to cut its deficit to 12 at 36-24. The defending Centennial Conference champions answered by scoring 11 of the next 13 points, putting the game out of reach.

Freshman Sierra Berkel made all five of her baskets in the game and now has made her last nine shots from the floor. She finished with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Freshman Samantha Wetzel contributed 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block while senior Elizabeth Lynch had 12 points, four rebounds and a steal. Senior Jacquelyne Pizzuto added six points, six rebounds and four assists in the win.

Leanna Tallamy led the Mules with nine points and nine rebounds in the loss.

It's the third straight win for Haverford against Muhlenberg. The Fords improved their record to 2-3 on the season and 2-0 in the Centennial Conference while the Mules dropped to 2-3 and 1-1 in the conference. Haverford will hit the road for the first time in conference play at Washington College on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.