FREDERICK, Md.--Despite an inspired second-half effort, the Hood College women's basketball team dropped a 72-45 decision to the visiting Catholic University Cardinals Monday in a non-conference game at Gambrill Gymnasium.

The Blazers drop to 0-5 on the season while the Cardinals improve to 5-2. Catholic's stifling dominance on the offensive glass produced a gaudy 41 shot attempts in the first 20 minutes. The Cardinals, who collected 17 offensive rebounds in the first half, led by as many as 24 in the period and took a 38-16 lead into the break.

But the second half was a different story as the Blazers outworked the Cardinals over the final 20 minutes. After netting just 16 first-half points, Hood reeled off 15 points in the first 6:02 of the second half. Hood gradually trimmed the deficit down to 13 on a pair of free throws by freshman Jennifer Willison at the 8:38 mark. But the Blazers would get no closer and the Cardinals came away with the victory.

Willison notched her third double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds while freshman Sara Hartlaub finished with nine points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. Sophomore Sara Wastler tallied seven points, including a pair of three-pointers, and freshman Amanda Kinna chipped in five points, four boards and two assists.

Hood returns to action Saturday hosting Christopher Newport University at 3 p.m. at Thomas Johnson High School.