WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University women's soccer team fell to Scranton, 2-0, to open Landmark Conference play on Saturday afternoon.

The Cardinals struggled to create much going forward, only mustering three shots on target. Catholic's best opportunity came in the 56th minute, when Katarina Bauer ripped a shot from around the penalty spot but Scranton goalkeeper Nikki Olson was equal to it, producing her best save of the match with a dive to her right side.

Alexa Adelmann tested Olson again a minute later, but was unable to beat the shot-stopper who secured the clean sheet on the day.

Niamh Healy was a thorn in Catholic's side throughout the match, notching both goals for the Royals.

It didn't take her long to get involved, forcing a brilliant save out of Ava Rieger in the fifth minute. The freshman goalkeeper rushed off her line to close the angle and repel Healy's effort. Just one minute later, though, Healy got the upper hand, slotting away with her right foot into the far corner as Rieger advanced to close the angle. 

Healy found the net again in the 62nd minute. After the ball broke to her just outside the penalty area, she coolly rolled the ball into the bottom corner to double Scranton's advantage.

The Royals outshot the Cardinals 16-4 and put 10 of those efforts on target, forcing Reiger into eight saves.

Catholic got strong performances from a pair of wide players, Sam Cesario and Ava Gregorio. The freshmen were positive on the flanks, with Gregorio showing off her pace and ability both in attack and defense. Cesario defended well in one-on-one situations and also showed prowess going forward.

Freshman Brienna Spano also performed well in defense, logging 71 minutes off the bench.

The Cardinals now look toward a midweek road contest, when they travel north to face McDaniel. Catholic will do battle with the Green Terror on Wednesday at 4 p.m.