LANCASTER, Pa. – The Catholic University women's lacrosse team dropped a challenging contest at No. 4 Franklin and Marshall on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 21-5. 

The Cardinals got off to an early lead, scoring three goals in the first three minutes of the contest. Mattea Del Peschio scored her first goal of the season two minutes in. After the ball swung around the arc, she caught a pass on the goal line extended and immediately wrapped behind the cage looking to score. Four Diplomates crashed to the ball, but Del Peschio was able to dodge them all for a top-shelf slam.  

Mia Perkell added a highlight reel goal to the board with a behind-the-back shot off a Del Peschio assist. After a fast draw control into an offensive set, Perkel caught the pass in front of the cage. Momentum carried her to the back post as she crossed over her left shoulder for the electric finish. 

The third goal was buried off a free-position-attempt from Tori Wilsey. Wilsey lined up at the top of the arc and bounced one passed the goalie to give the Cardinals a sizeable lead. 

Franklin & Marshall answered with three straight goals to tie the game at 3-3, but Wilsey scored her second of the day to put Catholic back on top with 4:13 to play in the first. 

The Diplomats scored the next seven goals to take a 10-4 lead before Lindsay Sawyer scored her first of the season for Catholic. Del Peschio picked up her second assist of the afternoon as the Cardinals trimmed the deficit to five goals. 

The second half was all Diplomats as they outscored Catholic 9-0. 

Grace Button and Jessie Lee each totaled three ground balls while Lauren Bendo caused two turnovers and grabbed two ground balls. Lee led Catholic with four draw controls while Caroline Regan added three. Lauren Davidson made eight saves in the losing effort. 

Catholic will travel to Carlisle, Pa. next Saturday to take on the Dickinson Red Devils at 12 p.m.