Box Score

Purchase, NY (Oct. 20, 2012) – A date for the books. October 20, 2012 belonged to Kim Whitehead.

The women's tennis standout was recognized Saturday on Senior Day at home in Purchase's final match of the regular season. Although the Panthers would fall 6-3 to rival Farmingdale State, nothing could overshadow Whitehead's afternoon. It didn't hurt that Purchase is once again playoff-bound, clinching a top four spot in the highly competitive tournament. The Panthers will travel to Mount Saint Mary for the league semifinal on Wednesday night.  

Head coach Patricia Troiano and the team penned some beautiful remarks, which Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini, acting as event MC, read prior to the match, as the Panthers celebrated Whitehead (SR/Ronkonkoma, NY), a four-year letter winner and captain that will not be forgotten any time soon. “She has advanced her tennis skills, which has been a key component to the team's overall growth over the past four seasons,” Ciafardini said to the crowd, many friends and family of Whitehead. “Beyond her tennis abilities, Kim has provided so much more to the team.

“She stepped up as a leader in her first year, by proving her commitment, bringing her full effort to every practice and match, and maintaining a positive attitude. She is a natural leader in life; taking opportunities as they come to her and having the willingness to learn from all of her experiences.

“Kim understands how her skills are best utilized to not only help herself, but help others along the way,” he continued. “Kim wants to continue to give back to others and finds great reward in helping others that are less fortunate.

“In fact, one of her post-graduation goals is to join the Peace Corps. Her efforts are not just visible on the tennis court, but also in the classroom. She maintains a high academic standing, majoring in Journalism … Purchase tennis is grateful for Kim's dedication, effort, and leadership. She will forever be a Panther!”  

The moving ceremony, which featured a host of gifts of appreciation, paved the way for another memorable matchup with the Rams. The tilt was even early, but FSC managed to pull away late, capturing the hard-fought victory.

Purchase won two doubles matches – second and third doubles. Melissa Siller (SO/Roslyn Heights, NY) and Chelsea Quinn (JR/Southold, NY) teamed for an 8-4 win at No. 2 and the tandem of Lilly Murray (JR/New Canaan, CT) and Jasmine Rippey (FR/Deansboro, NY) won 9-7 at third doubles.

However, FSC won at first through fifth singles. Murray added a 6-0, 7-5 win at No. 6 singles for Purchase.

FSC was led by Jessica Sickles. She won at No. 1 singles and teamed for an 8-5 win at No. 1 doubles, joining partner Alex Bentz.

The Panthers finish the regular season at 7-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play.