Purchase, NY (Sept. 8, 2011) – Women's tennis hit the ground running Thursday night, pitching a shutout against rival Yeshiva University in their season opener at home.

Navigating around the threat of thunderstorms and more potential rain in the forecast, the Panthers dominated in all facets of the match, posting a 9-0 win on an evening when a few sprinkles weren't enough to dampen the positive start to the fall campaign.

“This was a nice start for us,” said Purchase head coach Patricia Troiano. “The team was prepared and really came out and gave a terrific all-around performance.”

Purchase (1-0) set the tone early, sweeping the doubles matches for a quick 3-0 lead. No. 2 pairing of Melissa Siller (FR/Roslyn Heights, NY) and Ashley Bernhardt (SO/Bethpage, NY) teamed for an 8-4 win, besting Yeshiva's Stephanie Danoff and Alexandra Grumet. Siller and Bernhardt excelled in the finesse game at the net. Alyson Lopez (SR/Brooklyn, NY) and Chelsea Quinn (SO/Southold, NY) kept things rolling early in an overwhelming victory at No. 3 doubles. The duo defeated Sarit Cohen and Yaffa Jarishow 8-1.

With the Panthers leading 2-0, top combo, Moriah Orsmbny (SO/Montebello, NY) and Gabriella Marden (SO/Bayside, NY), took their time in soundly defeating Yeshiva's top pair, 8-0. The new dynamic one-two punch looked extremely sharp. Marden is a fierce competitor and like Ormsby last fall will challenge for several conference honors by season's end.

Marden picked up where she left off in doubles, securing a lengthy, albeit exciting, 6-3, 6-3 win over Shara Feltheimer at No. 1 singles. Not to be outdone, her doubles partner recorded a 6-2, 6-3 win as Ormsby took care of Danoff at No. 2.

Siller and Bernhardt collected 6-0, 6-1 and 7-5, 6-1 wins, respectively, at No. 3 and No. 4, while Lopez swiftly managed a 6-1, 6-1 win against Cohen at No. 5. Earlier in the singles action, Quinn posted a 6-0, 6-2 win against Julia Shrier.

In defeat, Yeshiva fell to 0-2, including 0-1 in league play to start the season. Meanwhile, the Panthers earn a win both overall and in conference play.

Purchase will look to make it two straight Saturday at home. The Panthers welcome Bard for a 2 p.m. start.