SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Cabrini College women's basketball team slipped to 1-1 on the young season, as the Cavaliers fell to Swarthmore College 60-48 in the championship games of the 2012 Swarthmore Tip-Off Tournament.

Senior Laura Caron led the Blue and White with 17 points, pairing 5-7 shooting from the floor with a 7-8 performance from the free throw line.  Sophomore Megan Decker was named to the all-tournament team after tallying nine points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

The Garnet jumped out to an early lead as the Cabrini offense struggled in the opening minutes of the game.  Decker's lay-up with 6:30 to play in the first half finally put the Blue and White in double figures.   It was the Cavaliers' effort on the defensive end that really kept them in the game while the offense found its footing as the Blue and White trailed 18-10.  

The Cavaliers connected on just seven first half field goals, shooting 21.2%, and trailed 26-18 at the break. Though the Cavaliers trailed by as many as 12 points in the half, their defense held Swarthmore to 29.6% shooting from the field, including just 2-13 from the three point line.    

Cabrini emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, as it sliced Swarthmore's to 26-23 less than three minutes into the second half.  The Garnet immediately responded with an 11-4 run, extending the lead back to 10 points.

The Blue and White whittled Swarthmore's lead to 42-39 on a jumper by junior Brittany Sandone.  After a defensive stop, junior Colleen Stewart grabbed an offensive board and was fouled.  She made one of two at the line, leaving the Cavaliers down 42-40 with 5:26 on the clock.

Again, the Garnet immediately responded with a three pointer, a three point play and a pair of free throws on their next three possessions while keeping Cabrini scoreless, rebuilding its lead back to 10 points with just under three minutes to play.

Sandone recorded eight points in the loss, while sophomore Amber Keys tied a career high with nine rebounds.  

The Blue and White outrebounded Swarthmore 52-42, including 20 offensive boards with five each coming from Keys and senior Melissa Kudzmas.

Swarthmore's Katie Lytle was named tournament Most Valuable Player after posting 21 points and 13 rebounds on the day.  Elle Lasren added 17 points and eight boards for the Garnet (2-0).

Cabrini will return to action on Tuesday, when it hosts Eastern University in the Battle of Eagle Road.  Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. at Nerney Field House.