WASHINGTON, D.C. – The No. 1 Salisbury University field hockey team suffered its first loss of the 2011 season Tuesday night, falling at No. 12 Catholic University of America, 2-1.

The Cardinals (13-1) struck first when Mary Swarthout put home an unassisted goal in the 13th minute for a 1-0 lead. But Salisbury would even the score just eight minutes later as senior Caitlin Walker finished off an assist from junior Erica Henderson. The goal is Walker's eighth of the season.

The Sea Gulls (15-1) held a 12-3 edge in shots at halftime, and were awarded six penalty corners to just two for Catholic in the first 35 minutes.

The Cardinals would tip the statistics in their direction in the second half, outshooting Salisbury 10-2 in the final 35 minutes, and Tracey Scanlon put home the game-winning goal in the 68th minute.

Senior goalkeeper Anna Cooke registered two saves for the Gulls while Megan Comunale turned away 10 Salisbury shots for the Cardinals.

The Sea Gulls will look to rebound next Wednesday, Nov. 2, when they host a Capital Athletic Conference semifinal contest at Sea Gull Stadium. The time and opponent for the semifinal game will be determined this weekend; check www.suseagulls.com for more information as it becomes available.