EWING, N.J. - On a delayed opening day for the Catholic University field hockey team, the Cardinals put forth a strong effort against No. 6 TCNJ before falling 2-1 at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.

After a scoreless first quarter, Catholic (0-1) opened the scoring just under six minutes into the second when senior Katie Cusumano redirected a pass from junior Molly McEvoy off of a penalty corner from sophomore Mary Parker to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

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

In the third quarter, TCNJ (1-0) tied the game with an unassisted goal by Jess Hatch.

The Lions took the lead in the fourth when Carly Cole netted the Lions' second goal off a penalty corner.

Senior Maysen Elliott made one save in the loss.

Catholic returns home on Saturday, Sept. 4 for when it hosts No. 9 Rowan in head coach Rachel Palumbo's home debut. Game time is at 5:30 p.m at Cardinal Stadium.