BRIDGEPORT, Conn.- The Caldwell University women's lacrosse team fell to the University of Bridgeport 21-9 in a non-conference contest.
 
The Cougars fall to 0-2 overall, while the Purple Knights improve to 3-0.
 
Bridgeport got on the board with four goals to take the early lead. Senior Arden Kassaleh (Pompton Plains, N.J.) got the Cougars on the board with 24:34 left in the half. The Purple Knights pushed ahead 9-1 with 11:44 remaining in the opening half.
 
Sophomore Jenna Steelman (Mays Landing, N.J.) and freshman Kelsey Maxwell (Center Moriches, N.Y.) each netted goals to close the gap to 9-3 late in the half. Bridgeport extended their lead to 12-3 before Kassaleh netted a late goal to cut the score to 12-4 at halftime.
 
The teams traded goals to start the second half as Kassaleh netted two goals, while Maxwell and Steelman added a goal each to trim the score to 15-8 with 22:47 left in the game. The Purple Knight pushed ahead 17-8 before Kassaleh tallied her fifth goal of the day. Bridgeport closed the game with four goals down the stretch.
 
Kassaleh led the way with five goals, three ground balls and four draw controls. Maxwell and Steelman each netted two goals each, while senior Amber Raines (Millville, N.J.) totaled four draw controls. Junior Samantha Murphy (Pompton Plains, N.J.) finished with three ground balls, six draw controls and three caused turnovers.
 
The Cougars travel to Molloy College for a non-conference contest on Sunday, March 1 at noon.