Purchase, NY (April 16, 2016) – With friends and family on hand, the Purchase College women's lacrosse did not disappoint on Senior Day.

The Panthers delivered a 19-2 victory Saturday at home over the College of Mount Saint Vincent, honoring seven seniors, including two, four-year players in their fourth year as a full varsity program.

In the win, senior tri-captains Samantha Rich (SR/Providence, RI), Nathalie Lavelanet (SR/South Salem, NY) and Maria Papp (SR/White Plains, NY) stole the show. Rich continued her torrid stretch, reeling off five more goals. She has scored 17 goals in the past three games, including six in each of the past two. Lavelanet added three goals of her own, while Papp contributed two on a memorable, sunny afternoon – one of the better spring days weather wise of late. Zoe Hines (SO/Maplewood, NJ) found the back of the net four times, while standout newcomer Emma Porter (SO/Homer, NY), Madi Smith (SO/Lagrangeville, NY) and senior Annette Elson (SR/Las Vegas, NY) contributed the other goals.

Purchase (7-1 overall, 3-0 Skyline Conference) led 5-0 before the Dolphins got on the board. It was 14-1 at halftime. For the game, CMSV (0-9, 0-3) scored twice (Alicia Forgione and Courtney Latorre).

Plenty of theatrics for the Panthers during the game, but it was the halftime ceremony that marked the day. Kristen Vitale (SR/Thiells, NY), who was walked out by head coach Francesca Levine, was celebrated for her "wild sense of humor," said MC Bobby Ciafardini, reading words Levine penned. "Kristen was a walk-on to the program last spring, and has made tremendous improvements ever since."   

Mikaela Connors (SR/Grand Island, NY) followed. She was joined by girlfriend Danielle Clark. "After taking off from the team last year, she came back for her senior year and has continued to work hard and be a good teammate.  Mikaela has a very demanding major, but she still commits time to becoming a better player and it certainly does not go unnoticed."

Jasmine Rippey, a senior standout last spring, returned and accompanied friend Erica Rose in walking out Elson. "Annette never played lacrosse until she got to Purchase. She is just a natural athlete and has developed into a very smart, reliable attacker for our team.  She was named the team's Rookie of the Year in 2014. She hit quite a few obstacles in her athletic career, but proved she was a fighter by sticking to the program and working hard no matter what.  She is an amazing teammate with an extremely positive attitude, and trying out for the lacrosse team is just the first thing that she did that i am thankful for."

Lexie Stodden (SR/Monroe, NY), a three-year member, was celebrated for her energy and enthusiasm. "She really threw herself into lacrosse this season, and she is one of the vocal leaders on our defense," Levine remarked. "Even though she is kind of a goofball with a big passion for geology, she is equally passionate about her sport and we will be missing her next spring."

The final portion of the extended halftime was left for the team's captains.

Papp was joined by mom Vivian and sister Katrina. "Maria is now a three-year starter for our program, earning the Most Improved Player award after her first season. She has developed into an athletic attacker who has a great talent for re-defending.  This year she is also a captain and we appreciate her diligence and dedication to the team and to improving her game."

Lavelanet, who was joined by parents Rudy and Marie, actually celebrated her second senior day.

"We celebrated last year, just in case she decided not to use her last year of lacrosse eligibility. But, Nat did decide to come back, and we are certainly glad she did. She is a tireless midfielder who could just run forever, and she has been instrumental to our defense. We are certainly sad to see her leave."  

And last but not least was Rich. She was joined by parents Harlan and Bev.

"Senior captain, all-region, all-conference, all-academic, all-everything Samantha Rich," is how Levine describes her. "Samantha has flourished in her four years as a student-athlete. She walks onto the field today with a near-perfect GPA, a commanding hold on the women's lacrosse record book, and a special place in the hearts of the coaching staff.  Sam has overcome countless obstacles to be where she is today and is a remarkable example of a true fighter.  She has worked tirelessly for everything she's been given, and she deserves that plus more.  The entire athletic department will feel the difference in her absence next year, and it will be a tough job to fill her shoes."

The seniors received framed jerseys from the coaching staff, certificates of appreciation from the SID office and will be honored once again during the program's annual awards banquet on Wednesday, April 27.

The win was a magnificent ending to a perfect day of Purchase women's lacrosse.