HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College women's soccer team (1-2-0) fell 3-1 in its home opener to the Catholic University Cardinals (2-2-0) on Saturday afternoon at Walton Field.

The Cardinals struck first in the 14th minute when Angelina Serrano finished off a centered pass from Caroline Aponte to give the visitors the early lead. The Fords nearly equalized three minutes earlier, but Katie Dowd's attempt was blocked by a stifling Catholic defense. The Cardinals' aggressive play resulted in several fouls, including a yellow card issued to Alex Berish in the 40th minute. Neither side generated many additional chances, and Catholic carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The Cardinals doubled its lead in the 61st minute as Teighan Boyle lofted a high shot off a corner sequence that bent just under the crossbar for her first goal of the season. Less than two minutes later, Boyle delivered a free kick into the box that Isabel Doherty headed home in the 62nd minute to extend the margin to 3-0. Haverford responded in the 66th minute when Mia Peifer scored her first career goal, burying a shot from the right flank after collecting a long cross from Sofia Terry. The Fords continued to push forward, with Abigale Baker testing Catholic goalkeeper Lauren Creamer, but the Cardinals held firm to secure the 3-1 win.

Boyle led the way for Catholic with a goal and an assist, while Serrano and Doherty added a goal apiece. Aponte recorded an assist, and Creamer earned the victory in goal with one save.

For Haverford, Peifer notched her first collegiate goal on her lone shot on target, with Terry providing the assist. Goalkeeper Allie Billups made two saves in 44 minutes of action.

The Fords return to the road on Tuesday, September 10, traveling to Reading, Pa., to face Penn State Berks. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.