Box Score
Purchase, NY
(Oct. 21, 2011) – Although the evening was dubbed a clash of first versus second in the Skyline Conference standings, tonight's meeting between league rival and undefeated power Mount Saint Mary took a backseat to Senior Night.
The Knights would end up with an 8-1victory, but the Panthers remain in line for a playoff berth and could play spoiler come tournament time next week. With several early season reschedules, Senior Night was moved to tonight and the Panthers took a moment to recognize three terrific senior student-athletes that have meant a lot to the program.
Head coach Patricia Troiano,
assistant coach Andreea Oncioiu and the rest of the team did a splendid job preparing for the festivities – one that was highlighted by gifts for each of the three seniors and plenty of treats – enough of all of the above not to allow the outcome of the match to change the good vibe brought to the tennis team on this night.
Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini MCed the celebration, which kicked off about 15 minutes prior to the match. Seniors
Alyson Lopez (SR/Brooklyn, NY),
Michelle Gil (SR/Valley Stream, NY) and
Emily Bishop (SR/Syracuse, NY) were honored. The trio received flowers and gifts of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They will also be recognized in May during the annual athletics awards dinner.
Lopez, the team's captain, and Gil, another senior leader, have enjoyed tremendous final campaigns. Bishop, who has been injured, has played a vital role from the sidelines this fall, keeping spirits high.
As for the match, the Panthers fell to 3-2 in league play, while MSMC remains undefeated at 5-0 in conference. The Knights swept the doubles and took five of the six singles.
Purchase, despite the loss, showed its mettle.
Melissa Siller (FR/Roslyn Heights, NY) exemplified the effort, winning in a lengthy tiebreak at No. 3. She closed the match on a high note for the Panthers.
The team would later cap the evening with pizza and cake in a post-match celebration. The Panthers, who were encouraged by the coaching staff in the team dinner, could see MSMC again in the tournament. Although tonight is Senior Night, Purchase will be home Sunday for a rescheduled matchup with NYU-POLY – that will be the final regular season home match for the seniors before the postseason.
