ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Haverford College women's basketball team (9-8, 1-6 CC) fell to host Muhlenberg (8-8, 3-3 CC), 69-55, Wednesday night at Memorial Hall. A decisive first quarter proved to be the difference, as the Mules raced out to a 28-12 advantage and never relinquished control.

Audrey Jakway paced the Fords with 18 points and four steals, providing a spark on both ends of the floor. Brianna Feifer added 12 points, while Shae Mercer contributed a well-rounded performance with six assists and seven rebounds. Caroline Orza chipped in nine points and three steals.

Muhlenberg was led by Linzy Roberson and Lyndsey Costigan, who each scored 17 points. Roberson was efficient from the field, going 6-for-8 and a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Costigan posted a double-double with 11 rebounds and added two steals. Avery McNulty anchored the defense with four blocks and six rebounds, while Veronica Dawson finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

The Mules capitalized on Haverford's cold shooting early, as the Fords struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the opening half, shooting just 9-of-31 from the field. Muhlenberg carried a 44-24 lead into halftime.

Haverford showed resilience after the break, putting together a 16-2 run to cut a 22-point deficit down to just eight at 48-40 with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter. Jakway fueled the surge with three layups, supported by baskets from Bri Heafey and Feifer as the momentum was suddenly back on the Haverford side. 

Muhlenberg responded with a 6-0 run to regain control and entered the fourth quarter ahead 57-42. Jakway opened the final frame with a three-pointer and a transition layup to trim the deficit to 10, and Heafey later connected from deep to keep the Fords within striking distance. However, the Mules closed strong, extending the lead to 17 in the final minute before Orza capped the scoring with a late three.

Haverford returns home on Saturday to continue Centennial Conference play, hosting Washington College at 1 p.m. inside Gooding '84 Arena.