Purchase, NY (Nov. 30, 2017) – Mount Saint Mary raced out to a double-digit first quarter lead Thursday night at Purchase en route to a 70-47 Skyline Conference win.

The Knights led 23-6 at the end of one and 34-18 at halftime, utilizing the strong start on their way to victory. Four players finished in double figures offensively for the visitors, including Jessica Rini, who netted a game-high 14 points. She added nine rebounds, while teaming with frontcourt mate Kayla Cleare.

Cleare spearheaded MSMC's efforts on the glass, cleaning up a game-high 22 rebounds. The center posted 14 offensive rebounds, a place the visiting Knights clearly held an advantage. MSMC out-rebounded Purchase 64-31 for the contest, and 36-11 on the offensive end of the floor. 

Purchase was paced by the trio of Kayla Ortiz (SR/Brooklyn, NY), Amber Jones (JR/Bronx, NY) and Amber Yarter (JR/Albany, NY). Ortiz, Jones and Yarter each scored 12 points apiece.

Yarter connected on four 3-pointers on the night, as Purchase showed plenty of resilience in the second half.

The Panthers kept pace over the final three quarters, 47-41, including outscoring the Knights 12-11 in the second period, but MSMC's early lead was difficult to overcome for Purchase.

Purchase's Alfa DeJesus (SO/Bronx, NY) contributed six points and five boards.

The loss drops Purchase to 2-3 on the season, including 0-2 in conference play. The win improved MSMC to 3-3 and 2-0, respectively.

The Panthers will head up state Saturday to face the Albany College of Pharmacy at noon.