TOWSON, Md. – CUA split its first two matches of the season on Saturday, falling to Stevenson in straight sets in the opener, before sweeping DeSales in the nightcap.  The Cardinals will play two more times on Sunday at the Greg "Gio" Giovanazzi Memorial Tournament, on the campus of Goucher College.

CUA dropped the opening match to Stevenson by a score of 3-0.  The Mustangs came away with wins of 25-18, 25-19, and 26-24.  Freshman Mariana Cruz totaled 25 assists in the match, while Katie Chefalas led the way with 13 kills.  Bridget Kulesh and Claudia Jean added six kills apiece, and Kristina Purcell (12) and Jean (14) finished with double-digit digs.

The Cardinals then rallied for a second match win over DeSales, topping the Bulldogs by scores of 25-20, 25-20 and 25-9.  This time, it was freshman Fallon Foster leading the way in assists with 23, while Chefalas registered 15 kills and Kulesh added eight.

Purcell topped the Cards in digs with 24, while Jean added 17.

CUA will play two more times on Sunday, beginning with a match vs. Brockport State at 10 a.m.  The Cardinals will then a play to be determined at either 1 or 3 p.m.