WASHINGTON, D.C.-Catholic University jumped out to a 10-3 halftime lead en route to a 16-9 victory over the University of Scranton in Landmark Conference women's lacrosse action Saturday.

Mary Swarthout led the 9th-ranked Cardinals with four goals and Kate Robinson, Katie Buonpastore and Caroline Taltavull contributed three apiece as Catholic improved to 13-2 overall and 4-0 in the conference.

Sophomore attacker Caroline Pryor (Robbinsville, N.J./Notre Dame) paced the Royals, now 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Landmark Conference, with two goals and two assists and senior attackers Madelyn Sminkey (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) and Erin Quinn (Baltimore, Md./The Institute of Notre Dame) contributed two goals apiece.

Scranton, which was out-shot 39-27 and won only six of 27 draw controls, also received a goal and an assist from junior attacker Kristen Marquino (Baldwin, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) and a goal each from senior midfielder Diana Rocklein (Islip Terrace, N.Y./East Islip) and sophomore midfielder Kristin Pickell (Ambler, Pa./Wissahickon). Royal junior goalie Cassie Murphy (Wantagh, N.Y./MacArthur) tied her season-high with 13 saves.

The Royals will close out the regular season with three straight home games, beginning this Tuesday, April 21, against Marywood at 4:00 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field. Scranton will also take on Rowan University on Thursday, April 23, at 4:00 p.m. and Goucher on Saturday, April 25, at 1:00 p.m.

2009-04-19