WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Catholic University women's lacrosse team dropped their season opener to No. 1-ranked and defending national champion Salisbury on Saturday, 13-4.

The 14th-ranked Cardinals (0-1) were strong between the restraining lines, edging the Sea Gulls in draw controls, 11-9. Senior Clare Richards and sophomore Rachel Rubenstein led the team with four each while senior Molly Monaghan won three.

Catholic also held Salisbury to just 22-of-28 on clears.

Salisbury (2-0) jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the first 20 minutes before sophomore Riley Cherkes scored with 8:34 remaining in the first half. Junior Grace Hill converted on a free position shot just over a minute later to cut the deficit to four.

The third quarter was a defensive battle as both teams scored just one goal each. Junior Kate Olsen scored to close out the quarter with 6:45 remaining.

Freshman Madeline Kelly scored the first goal of her career off a pass from Hill before Salisbury closed out the game on a 3-0 run to provide the final tally.

Hill led the Cardinals with five ground balls while she and fellow junior Kelsey Martin both caused two turnovers.

In goal, senior Rachel Searle totaled eight saves.

Catholic looks to bounce back on Wednesday when it hosts St. Mary's College of Maryland in a non-conference match-up. First draw is set for 4 p.m.