Salisbury, Md. - No. 14 The Catholic University of America women's lacrosse team dropped its season opener 13-9 to No. 9 Salisbury University on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the loss, sophomore Nanci Hernandez made a career-high 13 saves. Catholic senior Nicolette Crisalli led the Cardinals' offense with five goals on seven shots while sophomore Holly Regan racked up two goals and three assists. Rookie Anna Maupin won six draw controls while junior Jessica Lyons won four.

The Cardinals came out quick scoring four the game's first five goals. Crisalli recorded the games' first two in the opening three minutes with help from Regan. Next, sophomore Wendy El capitalized on a free position shot before the Sea Gulls were able to get on the board.

Crisalli advances Catholic's lead to 5-1 with a solo goal in the 10th minute of play followed by goal assisted by El thee minutes later.

Trailing by four, the nationally ranked Sea Gulls got hot and scored seven unanswered for an 8-5 lead before the halftime break.

Following the intermission, the Sea Gulls tossed one in the cage before Regan snapped their scoring streak with an unassisted goal.

Salisbury carried their speed to scored four additional goals in the second half to win the contest while Regan, Lyons and Crisalli each notch one more.

The Cardinals remain on the road and travel to St. Mary's (Md.) to face the Seahawks on Wednesday, February 28 at 4 p.m.

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