WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2011 season got underway for the Gallaudet University women's soccer team on a picturesque Thursday evening before over 200 fans at Hotchkiss Field. The Bison went up against cross-town rival Catholic University of America in a non-conference contest. GU's defense held its own against the Cardinals after it gave up a quick first goal before the Bison defense grew tired and lost the season opener, 5-0.

Catholic (1-0) capitalized on a Gallaudet (0-1) foul in the opening minute in the goalie box that gave the Cardinals a penalty kick. Courtney Orgill knocked in the penalty kick to put Catholic up 1-0. The Cardinals were held scoreless for the next 28 minutes before Kiersten Gault passed to Regina Zolbrod for the second goal of the game. Gallaudet only trailed by two at halftime.

The Bison struggled to create scoring opportunities against the stout Cardinal defense as GU was held without a shot for the entire game. Catholic added to its lead in the second half with goals from Caitlin Brett, Lauren Cadott and Caroline Burke.

Senior goalie Casey McCullough (Oceanside, Calif.) and the Bison defense had a busy night as the Cardinals keep applying pressure on the net. McCullough made 20 saves, 14 in the second half, in her first start since 2009. Christina Cassidy picked up the win for the Cardinals in the goal.

Gallaudet is off until next weekend when the Bison will make the short trip over to Trinity (D.C.) University to participate in a two-day tournament. GU will face host Trinity on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. and then Mary Baldwin on Sunday, September 11, at 12:30 p.m.