The Dickinson College Field Hockey team increased their win streak to five games on Homecoming weekend when they shut out the visiting Muhlenberg Mules 2-0. With back-to-back shutouts, goalie Katy Schlechtweg ’14 was named Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive time.

The Devils succeeded in their goal to continue to dominate the Centennial Conference as they improved to 3-0 and 6-2 overall. They are tied for first in the conference along with other undefeateds Franklin & Marshall and Johns Hopkins.

The Red Devils got out in front early and held the lead for the remainder of the game. Scoring just eight minutes in was forward Alyssa Stillwell ‘16 assisted by Lauren Wyman ‘14 . This was Wyman’s first assist on the season and Stillwell’s fourth goal.

Stillwell has scored the first goal in the past four games, giving the Red Devils the advantage that comes with the confidence of gaining an early lead. “When we come out and put a lot of pressure on and score first, it lifts our energy even higher and knocks the opposing team back on their heels,” said Stillwell. “It’s a very different game when you’re playing ahead rather than trying to catch up to the other team.” Much of the game was played in the middle of the field due to strong defensive play by both teams.

To start out the second half, forward Catherine Perlmutter ’16 was able to put one past the Mule’s goalie at the 2:06 mark. Perlmutter continues to be a huge impact in her first season, leading the team with five goals thus far.

The defense was fueled by an outstanding performance by Schlechtweg, who displayed much skill as she dove across the goal for a save in the second half. Schlechtweg finished the game with six saves as she registered her third shutout of the season.

Although the Mules’ held the slight edge in corners, leading 10-9, Dickinson dominated in shots, tallying 23 to Muhlenberg’s 11. Perlmutter lead the attack with eight shots, but was supported by Caroline Karwel ’15, who contributed five shots, and Merritt Davis ’17, who had three shots.

The Red Devils offense is incredibly strong this season; outshooting their opponents 172-61 so far this season. Dickinson Field Hockey looks to continue their offensive strategy in the coming week.

Stillwell stated that “Scoring first has been an essential part of our success this year and we hope to continue coming into each game strong and putting on a lot of pressure.” Dickinson has scored first in each of their six wins and did not score first in either of their two losses.

Dickinson looks to continue their success with two conference games in the upcoming week. The Red Devils will battle McDaniel College at home on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 4:00 p.m. McDaniel is 4-4 on the season including 1-2 in conference play. On Saturday, Oct. 5 the Devils will travel to Bryn Mawr for a 1:00 p.m. start. The Owls are 3-5 overall this year, but, they have not won a conference game in over a decade.