Box Score

Farmingdale, NY (Oct. 15, 2011) – A gutsy performance translated into a resounding 5-4 win at Farmingdale State Saturday for Purchase women's tennis.

The Panthers moved to 6-3 on the season, while also improving to 2-1 in Skyline Conference play in the narrow road victory. Purchase utilized an early 2-1 lead in doubles play and then a tremendous effort from the bottom half of the singles lineup to come away with the win.

After dropping No. 1 doubles, Purchase collected victories at No. 2 and No. 3 as Melissa Siller (FR/Roslyn Heights, NY) and Ashley Bernhardt (SO/Bethpage, NY) teamed for a key 9-8 (7-2) win at No. 2. The team's depth was on full display. No. 3 doubles – Alyson Lopez (SR/Brooklyn, NY) and Chelsea Quinn (SO/Southold, NY) – proved that, wrapping up an 8-1 win in the final doubles match.

In singles play, FSC started strong, winning at No. 1 and No. 2. The Rams' Jessica Sickles defeated Purchase's Gabriella Marden (SO/Bayside, NY), 6-3, 6-1 and her teammate, Alex Bentz, topped Moriah Ormsby (SO/Montebello, NY), 6-3, 3-6, 2-6.

FSC would also capture No. 3 singles and lead down the stretch.

But the Panthers would not relinquish this conference match as Bernhardt downed Lilya Dyakiv, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in an impressive showing at No. 4. Then, Lopez turned in a dramatic 6-3, 7-6 (11-9) win before Quinn added another key 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 6, helping the Panthers edge the Rams.

“What an afternoon of tennis,” said Purchase head coach Patricia Troiano following the win. “The highlights of the match were definitely No. 2 doubles, which finished up strong in an up-and-down match to put Purchase up 2-1 before No. 5 singles was the determining match. Alyson Lopez finished strong, winning a close tie-break for the second set at 11-9. That was key. It was great victory for the entire team.”