Spring break is over, but the Colby women’s lacrosse team’s perfect streak isn’t. Following an impressive first week of play, the Mules went on to win six games in a row to remain undefeated at 8-0 and move up to the sixth rank in the nation.

The Mules went down to Florida to compete over spring break, but first they faced the University of Southern Maine (USM) at home. USM stayed in the game through the first 10 minutes, but goals from Katie Griffin ’14 and Katharine Eddy ’14 gave Colby a 2-0 lead. Over the next six minutes, Colby pulled away with six goals, including two through co-captain Claire Donegan ’12. Colby never looked back as it cruised to a 19-3 win at home. Donegan completed the hat trick while Tess Petesch ’13 added three goals of her own.

While most students go home or go on vacation over spring break, the Mules headed down to Florida to play three games in a span of five days. The trip didn’t seem to bother them much as they brought home three victories, including two against conference foes. Their first game was out-of-conference, as they beat Buffalo State University 17-8 behind two goals and five assists from Sarah Lux ’14, as well as three goals and one assist from Alex Mintz ’14.

The next morning, the Mules were to face the 13th-ranked Hamilton College in a tough conference matchup. The game proved worthy of a top-15 clash as it remained tied going into the final nine minutes. Colby took the lead on a Donegan goal and clinched the 11-9 victory when All-American Kate Pistel ’13 scored her second goal of the game minutes later.

As if facing one top-15 opponent over break wasn’t enough, Colby faced 10th-ranked Tufts University to end the trip. Colby jumped out to an early 9-2 lead thanks in part to reigning New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Rookie of the Year Lindsey McKenna’s ’14 four goals. Tufts came storming back, but the Mules held on for a hard-fought 11-10 win.

Back home against Husson University, Colby had the chance to start the season 7-0 for the first time in the program’s history. Colby made sure to seal the deal early and was ahead 12-0 at the half. Colby then cruised ahead for the convincing 20-0 win. Griffin had three goals, while defender Lisa Hoopes ‘13 scored her first collegiate goal.

With the best start in Colby College history in hand, Colby then took on Connecticut College to try and remain unbeaten in NESCAC play. The Mules did just that as they never trailed on their way to a 9-7 triumph. McKenna scored her team-leading 18th goal of the season, and Eddy added two assists to bring her total to a team-leading 17 on the season.

Now 8-0 and ranked sixth in the nation, the Mules’ showdown with fifth-ranked Trinity College on Friday is set for control of the NESCAC. Colby has played in five consecutive conference title games but has failed to bring home the title the past two seasons. Last season, Trinity won the league title at the hands of the Mules. This year, the regular season matchup has national title implications as well.