WASHINGTON, D.C. - Catholic University volleyball junior Brittany Connatser and sophomore Amy Lumaj led the Cardinals in a four-set loss to DeSales Friday in the Worthington Classic at Gallaudet University.

Catholic (2-11) fell 25-14, 17-25, 25-19, 25-21 in its first meeting against the Bulldogs since 2016.

In her first match since Sept. 11, Connatser returned to the lineup and totaled 15 kills, four digs and five block assists after missing the last four matches.

Meanwhile, Lumaj had eight kills and five block assists, both career highs. As a team, Catholic had a season-high 11.0 total blocks, including one solo and 20 assists.

Freshman Mya Sullivan had seven kills, 13 assists and eight digs.

DeSales (7-5) jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the first set and led by as many 11 points in taking a 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals scored six of the first seven points to start the second and never trailed as they evened the match at 1-1. The team totaled 13 kills and a .281 hitting percentage with four kills each from Connatser, Sullivan and Lumaj as the trio combined for a .588 hitting percentage.

Catholic took another 6-1 lead to begin the third set before a 12-3 run by the Bulldogs gave them their first lead. They would extend it to as many as 19-10 en route to the six-point victory.

The fourth set featured eight ties and one lead change. Tied at 14-14, DeSales used a quick 6-2 spurt to take a four-point lead before the Cardinals tied it again at 21-21. However, the Bulldogs scored the final four points with two kills, an ace and an error to seal the win.

Senior Caroline Kelly totaled a team-high 12 digs while senior Mackenzie Collier added 10. Junior Alycia Powers finished with 23 assists and 10 digs.

Catholic concludes competition in the Worthington Classic on Saturday with two matches against Eastern and host Gallaudet beginning at 9 a.m.