ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The second-ranked Franklin & Marshall women's lacrosse team found itself locked in a tough Centennial Conference battle on the road Saturday afternoon as the Diplomats traveled to Muhlenberg. The Mules raced out to a 3-1 lead early, but the Diplomats countered with a huge 8-2 advantage during the second quarter before going on to claim a 16-10 road victory.

With the early challenge, several Diplomats stepped up when the team needed them. Sydney Lowe scored a game-high five goals, with Ally Marino adding four goals and two assists during the Centennial Conference contest. The top point producer was Lydia Cassilly as she also had a hat trick to go along with four helpers during her seven-point outing. Marissa McGarrey and Maddy Birch each produced multiple points to help F&M's efforts.

Lowe ended up scoring F&M's first three goals and had her fifth tally of the afternoon in the back of the cage by the 10:15 mark of the third quarter. Six different Diplomats scored during the second quarter surge that included the final five goals of the half as the Diplomats carried a 10-5 advantage into the break. Lowe and Cassilly each tallied twice during that period, with McGarrey, Madison Bray, Marino, and Birch adding to the lead. The Diplomats were additionally able take advantage of three up goals in that period.

Like she has done so many times this season, Marino took over in the second half with three goals during the final 30 minutes of regulation. Cassilly registered three points during the second half, including a fourth quarter goal, while McGarrey added her second of the afternoon to start the fourth quarter. Franklin & Marshall finished the contest with a 43-25 advantage in shots, bolstered by a 16-7 edge during the outpouring of goals in the second quarter.

In the crease, Emily Kitchin hit another milestone as she made her 300th career save and finished the contest with seven saves in total. Kitchin additionally led the Diplomats with four ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers. McGarrey matched Kitchin's team lead with four ground balls of her own as F&M finished the contest with an 18-16 edge in that category.

Winners of their last 11 games, the Diplomats will have just one game this week as they head to Ursinus on Saturday, April 16 for another 3 p.m. opening draw. The Diplomats will close the month of April with Wednesday and Saturday games during each of the final two weeks of the regular season.