SCRANTON, Pa. — Despite edging out to a first-half lead, the Catholic University women's soccer team fell to Scranton in a rematch of last year's Landmark Conference semifinal.

The Cardinals absorbed some early pressure as Scranton fired four shots toward Ava Rieger's goal in the opening 10 minutes. The Catholic shot-stopper made two saves and also saw her team successfully defend a corner in the early going.

It was the perfect start for head coach Casey Sommers in attack as the Cardinals scored with their first real chance of the match in the 14th minute. Following a throw-in, Sara Placide played Ava Gregorio in on the right flank and the winger produced a brilliant low ball across the six-yard area. Stretching to get the cross in before the ball went out of play, Gregorio picked out Isabel Doherty streaking to the front post who produced a fabulous one-time finish to beat Nicole Olsen.

Catholic did well to defend the lead, not allowing the Royals to put another shot on target for the remainder of the half. Isabella DeAvila tested Olsen from distance in the 30th minute but the teams entered the break at 1-0.

It was a different Scranton side after halftime as the Royals turned up the pressure and ultimately broke down the Cardinal rear-guard action.

Catholic was undone from its own corner as a quick counter attack in the 57th minute led to the equalizer. After Scranton defended the set piece successfully, Mary Haggerty set Niamh Healy away with a brilliant through ball. Running from inside her own half, Healy made no mistake, slotting past Rieger as she dribbled toward the goalkeeper. Just five minutes later, Scranton took the lead courtesy of Linda Daly.

The Cardinals pushed for an equalizer, earning a couple of corners but were unable to put any more shots on Olsen's goal. The Royals netted a third in the 78th minute to put the result beyond doubt. 

The goal by Healy marks her 11th of the season, a staggering total. Doherty's tally marks just the second of her career and her first this season, adding to the attacking midfielder's two assists in 2023.

Catholic will now face a quick turnaround and another long road trip as Sommers' side will travel to Selinsgrove, Pa., for a Tuesday night battle with Susquehanna. Kickoff in that Landmark Conference contest is slated for 7 p.m.