Montclair, NY (Mar. 11, 2013) – The inaugural season for women's lacrosse at Purchase is officially underway following the first game of the season last night at Montclair State.

Unfortunately, the Panthers (0-1) started their spring schedule with arguably the best team in the conference on the slate. Powerhouse Montclair State earned a 17-1 win.

The Panthers turned away the first shot of the game and held their own early before the more established program took over and cruised the rest of the way. Nonetheless, it was an historic evening for the college and first-year head coach Devon Whalen and her team. The Panthers took home a game ball for the department's trophy case, courtesy of the program's first-ever goal. Midfielder Samantha Rich (FR/Providence, RI) scored the lone goal. Rich's goal came with 12:07 left in the first period, as she scored an unassisted tally off a free-position attempt.

Tierney Conlon collected 10 points on three goals and a season-best seven assists for the hosts. Kelly Schoneveld added three goals and an assist for the Red Hawks, who improved to 3-0 on the year, their first 3-0 start since the 2004 campaign when Montclair won its first eight contests.

Also of note for Purchase, Panther goalkeepers Imani Humphries (FR/Washington, DC) and Allison Charde (FR/East Hampton, NY) had two saves apiece.

Purchase will now play its first home game on Wednesday, March 13 against St. Joseph's (LI) at 7 p.m.

-Montclair State Sports Information Contributed to this report