BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Catholic University field hockey team opened Landmark Conference play today with a gritty win over Moravian College on Saturday, 3-2.

The Cardinals (2-4, 1-0 LC) are now 14-0 all time against the Greyhounds.

The Catholic defense was impenetrable in the first half, not allowing a single shot on goal over the first 30 minutes. Offensively, the Cardinals took 12 shots, finding the back of the net with just 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Freshman Niki Micciche scored her first career goal off a pass from junior Gracie Burford to put the Cardinals in front.

Catholic would take five more shots in the second quarter, but could not add to their lead as the half ended with the Cardinals leading, 1-0.

Moravian (4-2, 0-1 LC) took just one shot in the third quarter, but it resulted in the game-tying goal with three minutes remaining.

The fourth quarter saw the most action for both teams as the Cardinals and Greyhounds combined for five saves, 10 shots and 17 penalty corners.

Moravian took the lead with just under eight minutes left as Ava Edwards netted her 10th goal of the season.

Three minutes later, Burford and senior Katie Murphy assisted freshman Allison Flynn on the first goal of her career off a penalty corner. 

After four more Catholic penalty corners, senior Grace Jung scored the first game-winning goal of her career with less than three minutes remaining in the game. The senior's first goal of the season was assisted by senior Katie Cusumano and sophomore Ashley Martin.

With under three minutes to play, the game lay in the hands of the defense as the Cardinals were able to fend off five Greyhound penalty corners in the last 10 seconds of the game. Senior Maysen Elliott recorded her second save of the game with no time left on the clock to secure the win.

The Cardinals have a quick turn around as they return home to Cardinal Stadium to host No. 6 Franklin & Marshall on Sunday, Sept. 19. Pass back is set for 1 p.m.