GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA. -- The Gwynedd Mercy University Women's Basketball team fell to the Cardinals of Catholic University 65-55 in non-conference action on Monday night. The loss leaves the Griffins at 3-5 overall.

Despite jumping out to a quick 6-0 lead, the Griffins were down 38-20 at the break. Senior Kelsey Yori got the Griffins off to a good offensive start draining two three-points and grabbing one steal in the first 30 seconds of play. However, a high pressure Catholic defense kept the Griffins from gaining a lead of more than six points in the half.

The Griffins managed to keep the lead until the 13 minute mark. A string of turnovers would allow Catholic to take control as they went on an 8 point swing to give them a lead of 13 points with 4:29 remaining. Unable to connect offensively, the Griffins continued to play catch-up for the remainder of the half. Another 6 points swing in the last 2 minutes of play would give the Cardinals their largest lead of the half. A layup by Michelle DeSantis would cap the Cardinals lead at 18, giving them a good cushion going into the break.

Yori lead the way for the Griffins in the half with eight points, shooting 50% from behind the arc. Sophomore Charlotte Kucowski led the way on the glass with six boards followed by senior Natasha Matthews with five. The Griffins were just 25.9% (7-27) in the half compared the cardinals 41.7% (15-36) shooting. The Cardinals only had 3 turnovers compared to the Griffins 15.

Fired up at the half, the Griffins came out strong once again following the break. A six-point swing in the first two minutes would pull the Griffins within 14. However, the Cardinals managed to keep a double-digit lead for majority of the half. Slowing chipping away, junior Chandler DiFebbo would sink a jumper to break the double digit lead with 7:14 to go.

A second half double-figure performance by sophomore Nicole Dombrowski was a key factor in battling back for the Griffins. Two more three-pointers by Yori in the last six minutes of play would help to get the Griffins as close asfive (60-55) with 3:03 left on the clock. However, in spite of Yori and Dombrowski's strong performance, the Griffins could not close the gap. The Cardinals final five-point swing would push the lead back to 10.

Two players recorded double digits for GM, with Yori leading the way with 16 points andthree rebounds, going 4-7 (57.1%) from behind the arc. Dombrowski added 11 points,five rebounds andthree assists. Juliana Hoisington was not far behind chipping innine points andfive rebounds.

Kucowski led the way on the boards, tying a career-high with 13 while Matthews grabbed eight. Overall, the Griffins led the way on the boards pulling in 44 compared to the Cardinals' 38.

DeSantis led all scorers with 22 for the Cardinals (5-3). Josephine Migash would add 14 and Melissa Errico 10.

The Griffins are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Juniata College in the final game of the 2014 calendar year. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.