Offense wins reputation, defense wins championships – and sometimes defense wins recognition. Check out these spectacular defensive plays by Mule athletes last week.

Female Play of the Week – Kristen Dornenburg saves of penalty strokes

Dornenburg, the senior goalie for the Muhlenberg field hockey team, faced four penalty strokes in two games last week and saved three of them – including two in a 15-second span against Swarthmore. The stops came in the first 10 minutes of the game and prevented the Garnet from taking an early lead, which would prove crucial when the Mules went on to win, 1-0.

Click here for video of Dornenburg’s saves.

Male Play of the Week – Matt Johnson interception

Johnson, a senior inside linebacker, showed incredible reflexes in the third quarter of Saturday’s football game against Juniata. The Eagles trailed 28-7 and were driving for a touchdown when they faced a third-and-10 at the Muhlenberg 27. They set up a screen pass to the right, but Johnson, who was getting blocked just a few yards away from the quarterback, leaped and somehow caught the ball for his second interception of the season. Ten plays later, the Mules scored a touchdown, and they went on to win, 35-14.

Click here for video with two views of Johnson’s interception.