NEWPORT NEWS, Va. –  20th-ranked Catholic University field hockey fell in a tough battle against No. 9 Christopher Newport in tonight's midweek contest. 
The first half brought strong all-around play from both squads. The Captains managed to get 12 shots off, but six big saves from goalkeeper Abigail Kearney left the contest scoreless going into the halftime break. 

The first goal of the game came just under two minutes into the second half. Quick passing up the sidelines led to a fast break for the Cardinals. The Captains struggled to get back on defense and committed an infraction in front of the cage to put Catholic at the penalty spot. Lauren Keast initiated the corner with a perfect ball to the top of the arc. Caroline Evans received the pass and lofted the ball high over opposing keeper, Lily Kerr's head, scoring a remarkable goal to put Catholic ahead 1-0. This marks Evans' first goal of the season and is Keast's first career assist. 

Christopher Newport tied the game eight minutes later off a long cross, setting up a pivotal fourth quarter. Kearney made two back-to-back saves for the Cardinals to keep the game knotted at one apiece heading into the fourth. With about seven minutes to play, the Captains converted off a rebound to break the tie, 2-1. 

The Catholic defense interrupted all six of Christopher Newport's penalty corners and diverted 22 shots from crossing the goal line. Kearney totaled 11 saves in the contest.

The Cardinals will return to conference play on Saturday, September 23 to take on Moravian at 1 p.m. in Bethlehem, Pa.