After Catholic University jumped out to an early lead, the Susquehanna University Women's Lacrosse team tightened up its defense and battled back but dropped an 11-4 decision to the Cardinals in a Landmark Conference game Saturday afternoon on Sassafras Field in Selinsgrove.

A majority of the improved defensive play came from sophomore goalie Libby Dex as she recorded a career-high 20 saves with 15 coming in the second half with Susquehanna (2-6 overall, 0-3 Landmark) outscored Catholic (7-4, 3-0) by a 4-2 margin.

The Cardinals scored all nine goals in the first half to take a 9-0 lead at the break.

Kathrina DeMaio scored twice in the first five minutes of the second half and added her third goal of the game at the 7:20 mark as Susquehanna closed to within 10-3.

Caroline Rabiecki added another goal for the River Hawks less than a minute later to close the gap to 10-4 but Catholic added a late free position goal for the final margin of victory.

DeMaio led the offense with her three goals while Gabi Toohey, Brooke Klair and Rabiecki each added assists.

Dex and Mel Barracato had five ground balls each and Alison Elf added four for the River Hawks.

Susquehanna travels to Goucher next weekend to continue Landmark Conference play with a 1 p.m. game Saturday.