Box Score

Purchase, NY (Oct. 7, 2011) – The outcome of Friday night's match at Purchase took a back seat to the pregame festivities as the Panthers celebrated the significant contributions of their “Core Four.”

Although visiting Sage would sweep Purchase 3-0, the Panthers played well in defeat and perhaps taken back by the emotions of the evening took a moment to step aside from the sport and honor four seniors on Senior Night. Before the conference showdown, Purchase recognized seniors Lindsay Froman, Olivia Hintz, Rachael Popovic and Mickaela Olson – four of the program's finest student-athletes in recent memory.

The ceremony was MCed by Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini. The four seniors were recognized with certificates of appreciation, which were signed by Athletic Director Ernie Palmieri and head coach Bill Kutner. Kutner also provided each of them with flowers and a small token of appreciation. The four seniors will also be recognized in May during the program's annual athletics awards dinner.

The “Core Four” is truly a treasure. Popovic epitomizes determination and dedication. The two-sport athlete, who also plays softball, has been a tremendous asset both on and off the court. She was accompanied by teammate and dear friend Danielle Johnson during the ceremony. She also took great pride in getting a chance to play in front of her dad on Senior Night.

Olson was joined by her mom, Jean, and her sister, Abby. Enjoying a stellar senior campaign, Olson – the former standout setter – has embraced a position change, becoming an elite libero in the Skyline Conference. The co-captain was introduced as a “team leader, whose bright smile has always brought cheer.”

With tears flowing and heavy hearts abounding, the brief ceremony continued. Following a year hiatus, Froman returned to the team, where the two-sport athlete has shined. Her presence will be dearly missed, says Kutner. She was joined by friends Sergio and Kelly during the pre-match festivities. Froman, a standout pitcher on the softball team, has helped the Panthers get back on the right track this fall. The developing program can thank players like Olson (SR/Glen Cove, NY), Popovic (SR/Baldwin, NY), Hintz (SR/East Aurora, NY) and Froman (SR/Medina, NY) for their competitive spirit and their heart. 

The Panthers saved the best for last, recognizing perennial Skyline award winner Hintz during the final introduction. The centerpiece of the program, Hintz, who has played three college sports during her tenure as a Panther, has made the volleyball court her domain. The co-captain, like the other three parts of the “Core Four” was introduced to a big ovation.

As for the match, Sage won 25-19, 25-15 and 25-22.

Hintz finished with seven kills, while Froman added five in the loss. All of the seniors started. The future was also on display as Purchase was paced by standout rookie Jenna Nardi (FR/Yorktown Heights, NY) and her nine kills. Katie Westervelt (FR/Congers, NY) contributed 26 assists and Olson recorded 14 digs. Popovich also added seven digs in a nice all-around effort.