WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite a valiant effort by freshman goalkeeper Ava Rieger, the Catholic University Women's Soccer team dropped its home opener to Bridgewater (Va.) on Saturday evening.

Rieger made 12 saves, including 10 in the second half, in her collegiate debut.

She produced a handful of stunning saves, none of which were more impressive than a save in the 59th minute that saw her jump and tip a shot around the post that was destined far corner. She closed down angles and saved from onrushing attackers multiple times throughout the match, including when she thwarted a promising Eagle counter-attack in the 76th minute.

Sophomore Jordan Siok looked the most likely Cardinal to score. She created Catholic's first clear-cut chance of the match in the 35th minute, when she weaved into the Eagle penalty area, beating a defender on the right and firing in a low shot-cross that forced the Bridgewater goalkeeper Carlee Gaboury into action. The ball then fell to freshman Payton Hardy, who saw her follow-up effort saved by Gaboury as well.

The Eagles were able to snatch the lead three minutes later, when they nodded in from a corner.

Siok combined with freshman Brienna Spano to produce Catholic's best chance of the match. With 10 minutes remaining, the freshman slid in Siok with a sharp through ball down the right-center channel but saw the goalkeeper close the angle and make the save. Spano also got on the end of a Hardy free kick to register a shot on target earlier in the second half.

Siok produced two shots in 36 minutes of action while freshman Isabel Doherty also took two shots, testing the goalkeeper with both. After providing an assist on Thursday night, freshman Peyton Coron also looked confident on the ball, providing positive attacking play during her 29 minutes of action.

The Cardinals now turn their attention to a Wednesday-night matchup against Stevenson. The Mustangs will visit Carlini Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff in four days' time.