Box Score Purchase, NY
(Apr. 5, 2014) – Five seniors, five wins!
The Purchase College women's lacrosse team posted its second Skyline Conference win of the season on Saturday, topping SUNY College at Old Westbury 7-4 on Senior Day. The Panthers celebrated the careers of five seniors.
Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini presided over a brief ceremony before the game that included friends and family of the program's senior five:
Hillary Belin (SR/Jamestown, NY);
Rebecca Small (SR/South Glastonbury, CT);
LeiAnna Frazier (SR/Brooklyn, NY),
Hannah Harris (SR/Northampton, MA); and
Jess Lindsay (SR/Rochester, NY).
With the win, Purchase is now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the league, competing for a postseason berth. The Panthers have two home games remaining on the schedule, but took full advantage of the Saturday matchup to welcome friends and family on Senior Day. A nice crowd turned out for the "Battle of the Panthers," with loved ones making trips from near and far, like the parents of
Imani Humphries (SO/Washington, DC), who came from our nation's capital to watch their daughter play.
Despite a very windy day, it was a joyous one for
head coach Francesca DeLorenzo, her staff and the budding program. Belin was recognized for taking to a new sport in such a quick period of time. "She saw action in the Cedar Crest game and has been working very hard to pick up lacrosse," said Ciafardini, "but, most importantly, Hilary has been a valuable part of the team's collective spirit, providing support and a positive attitude."
Small was credited for stepping up this season. "A former figure skater, Small has been graceful on the field, with her quick first step," said Ciafardini, who MCed the festivities. Small was introduced with her parents, Howard and Janice.
Frazier too has had a breakout campaign and would score later. "She has done a great job in the midfield, flashing excellent speed and has become a very important part of the lineup," remarked Ciafardini of Frazier, who will graduate this May with a degree in anthropology and was joined on the field by her brother, sister, mother and cousin.
Harris, who coach said has a great understanding of the game, was joined on the field by her mother Jeanne Previty.
"The senior attacker, who is an arts management major, has played a vital role in making lacrosse at Purchase a huge success," Ciafardini said during the ceremony. "She was one of the first players to suit up, making the transition from club to varsity, all while excelling in the classroom and being one of our program's top student workers."
Lindsay capped the ceremony. The final senior, a three-sport athlete, has shown "that she could play anything, anywhere, anytime," Ciafardini said, adding, "the graphic design major has anchored the goal the past two seasons," amassing national rankings in saves per game and saves percentage.
The ceremony provided the perfect backdrop for a game that was tied 1-1 at half.
Annette Elson (JR/Las Vegas, NV) stole the show for Purchase. She scored the game's opening goal and went on to score three more times, including the tally that made it 5-2 and helped seal the win. Among the four goals, Elson made a marvelous 360-degree spin, shot and score.
Team leading scorer
Samantha Rich (SO/Providence, RI) added her 13th of the season after OW's Gabriella DiPierno brought the visitors within one, 3-2.
Westbury's Maria Dischley had tied the score midway through the first half, but Purchase countered with six, second-half goals, including three by Elson, two by Rich and one by Frazier. Rich now leads the team with 14 goals. Frazier scored her fifth and Elson finished the day with numbers 7-10.
Old Westbury, who played down two players, showed some resilience. The rival Panthers scored twice more, with Jordan Schildt and Courtney Gallagher finding the back of the net.
But Lindsay, who finished the afternoon with 14 saves, was brilliant in goal, turning away several scares in the crease. Her play, and the highlight-reel goals from Elson and Rich put the finishing touches on a memorable day of lacrosse for the second-year program that continues to thrive in DeLorenzo's first season at the helm.
Purchase will be back in action Tuesday at the College of St. Elizabeth.
