Box Score

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY (Sept. 3, 2011) – Another hot start didn't translate into victory for Purchase, despite another terrific effort overall, the Panthers fell 3-1 at Bard College Saturday.

Purchase dropped its non-conference matchup 27 -25, 25-27, 25-21 and 25-18.

“Although we haven't recorded our first win just yet, the team is playing well, and it is just a matter of time until we get rolling,” said Purchase head coach Bill Kutner.

“The newcomers are meshing well with the returners are staying to come together,” he added. “We're not pleased with the finals, but we're happy to work on things in the non-conference action. Things will be looking up the rest of the season.”

After trailing by scores of 10-4 and 16-6 in the opening set, Bard, a former Skyline Conference foe, rallied to win that game and eventually the match.

The key to match came early when the Raptors crept back into it. Purchase's lead went from 16-6 to 20-15 to no lead at all (23-23) after an ace by freshman Jill Nicols. The Panthers had the lead again, 25-24, before back-to-back kills from Amaya Chenu and senior Jessica Philpott, and a Purchase hitting error gave the first game to Bard.

In the second set, Purchase rallied from a 23-19 deficit to win, 27-25, but Bard took the next two games 25-21 and 25-18 to seal it.

The Raptors had three players finish with double-digit kills: Cara Chalk (17), Amaya Chenu (13) and Mai Aurell-Foulser (11).

Purchase was led by rookie Jenna Nardi (FR/Yorktown Heights, NY) (eight kills, nine digs) and Catherine Mulvey (SO/Scarsdale, NY) (eight kills). Lindsay Froman (SR/Medina, NY) and Olivia Hintz (SR/East Aurora, NY) registered seven kills apiece with Lindsay Navagh (SO/Fulton, NY) handing out a team-high 16 assists.  Mickaela Olson (SR/Glen Cove, NY) also turned in a nice effort with 16 digs, while Katie Westervelt (FR/Congers, NY).

Purchase will now travel to Lehman on Sept. 14.