WASHINGTON- In a comeback victory, The Catholic University of America women's lacrosse team earned a 9-7 victory over nationally ranked No. 15 the University of Mary Washington on Wednesday afternoon. The Cardinals handed the Eagles their first loss of the 2016 season, now 8-1, while advancing their own record to 2-3.

The Eagles outshot the Cardinals 13-7 in the first half, the Cards trailing 5-1 by the halftime intermission. After the break CUA ripped eight shots into the cage, only letting up 2 for a 9-7 triumph. 

In just her fourth career start freshman Christina De Cesaris proved to be a rock between the pipes. Though No. 15 UMW outshot CUA 26-23 over 60 minutes, the newcomer made a season-high 14 saves to defeat the Eagles.

Junior Anna Stumme scored Catholic's lone first half goal on a free position opportunity. Sophomore Nicolette Crisalli opened the second half with a goal 26 seconds after the whistle, assisted by junior Laura Dunn. The duo struck again less than five minutes later to increase CUA's goal count to 3. 

Additional second half goals came from juniors Alexis Bosilovic and Jenna Van Middelem, but it was freshman Megan Ellis who notched the game winner with under 10 minutes left on the clock. Ellis took a long pass from Stumme, spinning the shot into the bottom right corner of the cage. 

With a hat trick already under her belt, Crisalli notched one more to insure the Catholic come-from-behind win.

Junior Allie Bond came away with nine draw controls during the contest while junior Miranda Altringer picked up 4 ground balls and caused two turnovers.

The Cards return to action on Saturday, March 19, with a road game against Washington & Lee at noon.