Purchase, NY (March 24, 2017) – The Purchase College women's lacrosse team finally got to play their home opener Friday night.

Twice delayed previously by inclement weather and a recent snowstorm, the Panthers got back to work against tough non-conference opponent Smith College. The Pioneers entered the game with a 7-1 record and lived up to it, topping the Panthers 20-9. Purchase, which won its season opener against Centenary College earlier in the week, is now 1-1 on the spring.

Purchase started strong, scoring the game's first game, and trailed 10-3 at the break following a competitive 30 minutes. But Smith regrouped and dominated the second half.

The Pioneers (8-1) were paced by Chloe Harris and her seven goals. She now has 34 on the season. Raleigh Williams (3); Emily Biggs (2); Caroline Myran (2); Bella Ferraro (2); Sydney Garner (2); Clelie Fielding (1) and Katie Christensen (1) also scored in the contest.

Madi Smith (JR/Lagrangeville, NY) netted the first goal of the game and teammate Kelly Turtell (JR/Farmingdale, NY) brought Purchase within one (3-2) on her first score. The Pioneers then rattled off seven of the next eight goals in the game.

Purchase's Zoe Hines (JR/Maplewood, NJ), who scored seven times in the season opener, added three tonight. She now has 10 for the season over two games. Turtell finished with three goals. Teammates Meaghan Gillen (FR/Port Jervis, NY) and Smith also scored. Gillen tallied two goals on the evening.  

Turtell paced the team with six ground balls and six caused turnovers. She also shared the team lead in shots (5) with Hines. Hines rounded out her strong evening with four draw controls.  

Williams led Smith with four ground balls, while Harris totaled 14 shots to lead the way for the visitors.

Purchase will look to get back on track, when it opens conference play next week at Old Westbury.