WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Host Catholic University defeated visiting Washington College, 1-0, in the field hockey season opener for both schools tonight in Washington, D.C. 

The Cardinals registered 13 shots in the first half to the Shorewomen's zero, but could not find the back of the cage until Taylor Elliott scored off an assist from Hayley Wright with 8:59 left in the first half. 

Washington junior attack Jackie O'Connell (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) tallied the first of the Shorewomen's two shots on goal in the game with 22:07 left in the game, but it was saved by Catholic goalkeeper Megan Comunale. Comunale then made a big save to preserve the win when she stopped a shot by junior attack Claire McAuliffe (Clarksville, Md./River Hill) with just 1:26 remaining. 

The Cardinals had just one shot in the second half to finish with a 14-3 advantage in the game.  Washington senior goalkeeper Steph Harryman (Churchton, Md./Southern) made six saves in the loss. 

The Shorewomen are back in action Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. game at Stevenson.