NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The Catholic women's basketball team competed in the championship game at the Nelson Hinson Invitational against Christopher Newport. Despite the gritty battle, the Cardinals fell 81 to 73, only taking the lead one time late in the third quarter.

The Captains opened the game with an eight point run that was cut down by a jumper from Raquel Guidetti. Lauren Kraft collected a three while teammate Carly Catania scored a layup to the first quarter efforts. Kraft added another bucket beyond the three point line to cut the deficit down from double digits. Anna Scoblick and Allie Falesto added a layup apiece to close out the quarter. The Cardinals ended the first quarter trailing 15 to 23.

Catania had herself an impressive second quarter, scoring seven of her total 13 points. Molly McLaughlin's jumper in the fourth minute into the quarter gave the Cardinals their lowest deficit of the game so far at 26 to 27. Both the Cardinals and the Captains scored an even 17 in the quarter, bringing the halftime score to 42 to 34. 

Catholic's offense was hot in the first half of the third quarter, outscoring Christopher Newport 13 to 6. Scoblick, Kraft, Catania, and Alexa Kenah all found the hoop to add to the fight. With 4:07 left in the quarter, senior Scoblick drained a jumper to give Catholic its first tie of the game at 49 points. On the next offensive possession, McKenna Karlson found Kenah. Kenah's jumper brought the score to 51-49, the first lead for the Cardinals. Christopher Newport quickly answered and closed out the quarter with the 56-53 lead.

The fourth quarter consisted of a lot of back-and-forth action, but the Cardinals were not able to overcome the Captains. Olivia Boccella and Kraft each scored a pair of threes. Kenah closed out the game with a made three pointer, with the Cardinals ultimately falling short 73 to 81.

Anna Scoblick chalked up 18 points in today's matchup. With this, Scoblick has surpassed the 1000 career point milestone. The senior also collected four steals, five assists, and six rebounds. 

Lauren Kraft had herself a day scoring 18 points, all from beyond the three point arc. Sophomore Carly Catania earned her first double-double of the season collecting 13 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Cardinals will return after the holiday break to take on Moravian on Wednesday, January 7th in Landmark Conference play. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. at Johnston Hall in Bethlehem, PA.