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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Cabrini field hockey team saw its 2008 season come to a close Wednesday following a 6-2 loss at The Catholic University of America in the opening round of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament.

The Cavaliers found themselves in an early hole and climbing uphill against a 4-0 deficit. The Cardinals extended a 2-0 halftime lead to four goals just 5:08 into the second period.

Freshman Lauren Alessi, the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Rookie of the Year, scored her team-leading 17th goal of the season, trimming the Catholic advantage to 4-1 at the 42:51 mark.

The Cardinals responded, scoring back-to-back goals in just 2:15. Molly Mahoney deposited both tallies, handing the hosts a 6-1 cushion with 11 minutes remaining.

Senior Melissa Benedetti, a first-team all-conference honoree, provided the Cavaliers with its last gasp, notching her 12th goal of the year with less than two minutes remaining in the second half.

Sophomore goalkeeper Caitlin Donahue posted three saves against the Cardinals in 61-plus minutes played. Senior cageminder Elissa Salantri spelled Donahue in the 62nd minute.

Goalkeeper Marian Cassilly stopped one shot for the Cardinals.