Morristown, NJ (April 13, 2016) – A roaring start paved the way for a dominating 20-3 win by Purchase women's lacrosse at the College of St. Elizabeth Wednesday.

The Panthers wasted little time getting in the scoring column. Inside the first minute of play, tri-captain Samantha Rich (SR/Providence, RI) found standout newcomer Emma Porter (SO/Homer, NY) for a quick 1-0 lead. Madi Smith (SO/Lagrangeville, NY) followed roughly two-plus minutes later off an assist from Zoe Hines (SO/Maplewood, NJ) and Purchase was off and running.

The always-reliable Kelly Turtell (SO/Farmingdale, NY) pushed that lead to 3-0 and 4-0 on back-to-back goals, the first coming from Hines and the second coming from Porter.

Purchase capped the first half up 13-1 and never looked back.

CSE added two late goals, while the Panthers managed to reel off seven more in the overwhelming victory.

Rich, who was coming off a six-goal game, finished the night with six more, while Porter recorded four and Turtell added three. Nathalie Lavelanet (SR/South Salem, NY) contributed two goals on the day. Smith, Monica Ortiz (SO/Levittown, NY), Annette Elson (JR/Las Vegas, NV), Mikaela Connors (SR/Grand Island, NY) and Hines accounted for the remaining goals as head coach Francesca Levine used the high-scoring, non-conference win to mix up her lineups.  

Purchase is now 6-1 overall.

CSE fell to 1-8 in their home opener. Kassandra Ortiz scored the Eagles' only goal of the first half at the 2:57 mark. In the second half, Kiana Cunningham scored at 21:33 and with 7:36 remaining in the game, Nicole Morera found the back of the net for the hosts.

Cynthia Plackis (SO/East Northport, NY) earned the win in goal for the Panthers, recording seven saves. 

The Panthers will now host Senior Day this Saturday. Friends and family are expected to arrive early for the 2 p.m. matchup. Ceremonies will be held prior to the game.