Looking to defeat nationally ranked Franklin & Marshall for the second time this season, the Muhlenberg field hockey team jumped out to an early lead, but the Diplomats came back for a 2-1 win in double overtime in the semifinals of the Centennial Conference playoffs.

The loss ended the Mules' season, which started out 0-4, at 10-8. The Diplomats (16-2) advance to the final to take on Johns Hopkins, a 1-0 winner against Ursinus in the other semi.

Muhlenberg had the first penalty corner of the game and took the first two shots. The second proved fruitful when sophomore Rachel Richards, who netted the lone goal in the 1-0 first-round win against Dickinson, scored for the third consecutive game.

The 1-0 lead stood up for the remainder of the half. F&M put on pressure at the start of the second half, and sophomore Sophie Beeler made a defensive save to keep the shutout intact three minutes in. But the Diplomats netted the equalizer less than two minutes later.

The Mules defense, which ended the season by allowing only six goals in the final seven games, remained stout in through the rest of regulation and the first overtime. Beeler (pictured above) made another defensive save to keep Muhlenberg's hopes alive.

F&M scored the winning goal off a rebound 3:40 into the second overtime.

Junior Jordan Segrave recorded six saves.