WASHINGTON - The Catholic University of America women’s basketball team dropped its first game of the 2017-18 season, falling 59-34 to the Sea Gulls of Salisbury University on Sunday afternoon.

Catholic starting sophomore Megan Stafford along with senior reserve Samantha Cowan each recorded a team-high seven points while Stafford grabbed five rebounds. Starting senior Briana Bull and freshman reserve Maggie Rakowsky each recorded two steals.

Rakowsky and her classmates Courtney McCool, Abby Anderko, Kate Parker, Cristin George, Bridgette Hoy and CC Mooney all made their debut appearance on Franny Murray Court at the Raymond A. DuFour Center.

Salisbury got a quick lead and took a 24-12 advantage after the first two periods.

Trailing 39-14, six minutes into the third period Catholic rallied to score nine unanswered points. Mooney got things started with a jumper inside the paint followed by a completed foul shot. Stafford created the Cardinals next three-point play with a layup and free throw followed by a three-point bucket from George.

Catholic's third-quarter surge would not be enough as the Sea Gulls outshot the Cardinals 18-9 in the final period to claim the nonconference victory.

The Cardinals, now 2-1 overall, open Landmark Conference play on Saturday, December 2 when the head to Madison, N.J., to take on the Rangers of Drew University. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.

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