Purchase, NY (Feb. 18, 2017) – Surrounded by friends, family and loved ones, three standout Purchase College women's basketball players were recognized Saturday at home on Senior Day.

The trio of Ashley Calder (SR/Merrick, NY), Frances Minaya (SR/San Fernando, CA) and April Uhl (SR/Jackson Heights, NY) were celebrated in a pregame ceremony MCed by Sport Information Director Bobby Ciafardini. With balloons and other favors adorning the gymnasium, the three received senior gifts, including certificates from the SID office, and a collage of photos inside wooden versions of their uniform numbers.

First-year head coach Varrell Eddie penned some words about each senior that Ciafardini addressed to the crowd prior to tip-off.  

"Ashley sent an email stating that she was interested in trying out for basketball, and when I saw that she was a volleyball player, I just knew a 6- foot girl that could dunk was walking into the gym," Eddie joked, adding, "And then this 'Lil Bit' walked into my office … And it worked out perfect.

"Ashley saved the season! She came in and worked every day at getting better at the game. She hadn't played since middle school. As a senior, she brought a mature and blue collar attitude. She came in, did her job and had an infectious laugh and smile that was a welcomed addition to the team. Ashley thanks for being a part of us."

Minaya followed.

"Frances Minaya one of the captains on this year's Purchase Squad. 'Fran,' as only we can call her, has done anything and everything that has been asked of her this year. She's played every position, from point guard to center, and accepted the challenge each time. It wasn't a rare thing to hear 'oohs and ahhs' from the crowd as Fran would soar to grab a rebound, or hear a growl while she was 'Ding' up the other team's best player for 94 feet.

"She's been a great captain, leader and teammate. Not to be forgotten, Fran has also killed it in the classroom, increasing her GPA up to just below a 3.0, which was personal goal of hers. It has been a pleasure coaching her and the impact she is leaving on the program will be felt for years to come. Thank you for everything Fran."

The program saved Uhl, the longest tenured Panther for last. The day marked a huge celebration of seniors and alums, with both the men's and women's programs holding Senior Day 2017.

"The face of Purchase Basketball for the last four years, April Uhl is everything you want in a basketball player and more. She will do whatever is needed of her for the team to be successful. She has been a great leader, continuously saying what we need to do and also leading by example.

"She makes sure everyone is where they need to be and doing the right things; players and coaches. On the court, she is always working to keep the team's mood positive and keeping us moving forward. She is always throwing a suggestion out there and giving someone some advice, so that we can all get better. On a personal level, April has been there every step of the way in helping me transition back into the Purchase College community. Without her this year, it would've been a million times tougher. She is one of the true success stories at Purchase College, and she is Purchase women's basketball! April has been wonderful to coach and I can't wait to see what the rest of her life's journey has in store for her!"

The festivities paved the way for an exciting game early. Although Sage would race out to an 11-2 start, the Panthers roared back to 16-7 behind consecutive hoops from Minaya, including a 3-pointer.

Sage held a 22-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 43-21 advantage at the break. Minaya was sharp in the first half, totaling 12 points for the Panthers.

The Gators were led offensively by Macie Holmes and her nine, first-half points.

In addition to Minaya, Calder had a highlight in the first half, sinking a 3. All three Panther seniors got the start.

Although the Panthers held tough, Sage was too strong on its way to an 89-43 final. The Gators had three players finish in double figures offensively, including Frankie Pearson. She netted 17.

Kayla Ortiz (JR/Brooklyn, NY) paced Purchase with 18 points (game high) and eight rebounds. Minaya totaled 16 on the day.

In the victory, Sage improves to 17-8, including 13-5 in conference play. Purchase concludes the season at 2-22, 1-18.