Box Score

Purchase, NY (Feb. 23, 2012) – It was an impressive start for the Panthers as they hung tough – especially through the first two seats – against conference elite Kean University Thursday night at home.

But in the end Kean was too much for the Panthers to handle. The Panthers (1-8, 0-7 Skyline) fell 3-0 (25-10, 25-11, 25-17). Purchase kept it close in the opener, but the Cougars rallied and in near duplicating fashion finished off the Panthers in the second set after a close start before Purchase showed its mettle in the third.

Purchase looked like a different team in the third as it put together an impressive late comeback, running off four straight points to pull the score to 24-17.

The Panthers were paced by standout Kevon Kareem Bruce (SR/Hayes, Jamaica), who totaled six kills, and the team's lone ace.

Teammate and setter Alex Billen-Calhoun (JR/Niskayuna, NY) had a team-high 10 assists, while Taylor Edelmann (JR/Bethel, CT) also had a very solid match, contributing three kills and the team's lone block.

Mateo Morel (SR/Bronx, NY) fought off an ankle injury sustained in the first set and finished with six assists.

The Cougars (9-2, 7-0) were led by Ron Dunn, who had a match-high 15 assists. Teammate Steve Valhalla had a match-high nine kills and Christian Portera chipped in with eight.

Purchase will look to rebound next Monday at CMSV the Panthers start a five-match road trip.