WASHINGTON, DC (January 13, 2023) – The Susquehanna women's basketball team traveled to face Catholic University on Friday night, a team that has hovered around the National Top 25 polls for much of this season and sits as one of the key contenders in the Landmark Conference this season. Despite hanging close for the early portion of the game, the River Hawks ultimately fell away and could never regain their footing, falling 63-43 to the Cardinals.

The teams couldn't be separated in the first quarter, with neither establishing a clear advantage and the period ending with the score tied 12-12, as SU shot 50 percent from the floor in the frame. However, the hoop seemed to close itself to the River Hawks in the second quarter as they went two for nine from the floor and were outscored 16-6, giving Catholic a ten-point advantage at the halftime whistle.

That gap would be more than enough for the Cardinals as they managed to increase their scoring output in the third quarter, tallying 21 points to counteract Susquehanna's game-high 15 points in the frame. They pushed their lead out as far as 22 points in the fourth quarter, never allowing Susquehanna to mount significant momentum or cut the lead below double-digits.

Both teams struggled from long range, making only one three-pointer apiece, while SU actually outscored Catholic 14-12 from the foul line. However, it was efficiency that plagued the River Hawks, as they also missed 14 attempts from the foul line, while Catholic missed only five. Turnovers also proved costly, as SU gave up 25 compared to only 13 for the Cardinals, helping to account for 11 more made field goals as they scored a hefty 26 points off turnovers.

First-year Julia Roth continued her streak of games in double-digit points with a team-high 13 for the game, going a perfect six for six from the floor. Kaitlyn Lynch had the next highest total with seven, also leading the team in rebounds with a matching seven boards. Four Cardinal players reached double-digits in scoring, with senior Rachel Bussanich registering a double-double.

The River Hawks face a quick turnaround as their next game is Sunday against reigning Landmark champions and No. 6 ranked Scranton. The game will take place at the historic Palestra in Philadelphia, PA as part of the Landmark's day of games at the Cathedral of Basketball. They'll tip off at 2:30 pm.

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--RIVER HAWKS--