WASHINGTON, D.C. - On a day when the Catholic University field hockey team celebrated its 50th anniversary, the Cardinals put forth a valiant effort against No. 12 Messiah before falling 2-1 at Cardinal Stadium.

Since its inaugural season in 1969, Catholic (3-4) has won 388 games, made five NCAA Tournament appearances and won four conference championships. Alumnae from as far back as 1982 and other team members from the program's first 50 years were recognized on the field at halftime.

After a scoreless first quarter, Messiah (3-3) opened the scoring with less than five minutes remaining in the second when Hannah Palm who redirected a pass from Makayla Malcolm to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

In the third quarter, the Falcons lengthened their lead with an unassisted goal by Taylor Wiederrecht.

Catholic answered back in the fourth when sophomore Claire Flannery crossed a pass to sophomore Hannah Bateman to cut the Cardinals' deficit in half with 10 minutes remaining.

Bateman's goal was her first of the season and the third of her career.

Sophomore Maysen Elliott had six saves in the loss.

Catholic travels to Mary Washington on Tuesday to take on the Eagles. Game time is at 4 p.m.