Whenever a team has to battle through three consecutive conference games, each one as physically and emotionally draining as the last, its chances at finding winning results are uncertain. However, such daunting challenges have not fazed the women's lacrosse team this season. After finishing the week off with their fourth New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) win, the Mules have put themselves in excellent position to earn a top seed for the rapidly approaching conference tournament. The team's success has been recognized nationally as well, as its has risen all the way to sixth in the Division III polls.

After earning a hard-fought overtime victory over Middlebury College last weekend, the women took the field on Wednesday night at home against Bowdoin College. Colby took a quick 2-0 lead on goals from Kate Pistel '13 and tri-captain Amy Campbell '10. After Bowdoin responded with three goals of their own, Lane McVey '12 tallied for the fourth time this season to level the score. Bowdoin went on another scoring run from there, taking a lead they would never relinquish. The Mule attack received yet another hat trick from Campbell, as well as additional goals from Kathleen Kramer '10 and Tess Petesch '13. Tri-captain Caroline Duke '10 was excellent in the back for Colby, having two draw controls and creating five turnovers.

The team had little time to linger on the loss to the Polar Bears, as they had to turn the page and prepare to face a previously winless Wesleyan squad. Going into the game the Mules had a sparkling 5-0 season record on the road, and were looking to continue their success away from the comfy confines of Alfond Field. They knew that it would take a team effort to earn the victory and keep their streak going, and that is exactly what they created.

After falling behind 3-1 early on in the contest, the Mules asserted their authority and took control for the remainder of the game. The scoring came from a wide array of players, as Campbell, Pistel, Casey Thomas '11, Caroline Atwater '10 and tri-captain Carly Rapaport '10 all scored two goals apiece. The Mules shared the ball as well, with Campbell and Thomas logging two assists and Petesch, Kramer, Claire Donegan '12 and Lucy Gerrity '13 each getting one.

The Mules have been buoyed in the back all season by goalie Sarah Warnke '11, who last week was honored as NESCAC Player of the Week. Warnke's .564 save percentage places her at number one in the league, and her 7.35 goals against average puts her in third league-wide. The honor is also a testament to the defense of the team, that as a unit have worked together incredibly well and have helped fuel the potent Mule attack.

The next challenge for Colby will be a Thursday clash at home against Colorado College, followed by a critical NESCAC battle with Amherst College on Saturday. The Lord Jeffs are one of the teams the Mules are jockeying with for position in the league standings, and a win would go a long way toward securing a high playoff seed for Colby.