Purchase, NY (March 25, 2017) – Today was another day of firsts for the Purchase College men's lacrosse team.

The program is in its first official season as a varsity sport. While weather has wreaked havoc on college athletic schedules here in the northeast, the program finally managed to squeeze in its inaugural home opener, which also happened to be the first team Purchase would face a Skyline Conference opponent.

The Panthers welcomed perennial power Farmingdale State to the campus. And about the only downside to the day was the final score. FSC won 24-3. The Rams improved to 8-1 overall, including 2-0 in league play. The loss dropped Purchase to 0-3 on the spring and 0-1 in conference.

Temperatures held up nicely, around the mid-50s for the afternoon and some early showers never returned, allowing the two teams to get underway at noon.

The lineup for Purchase's historic home opener included Bryan Ventura (JR/Bedford Hills, NY), Michael Fruhling (FR/Bedford, NY), Daniel Desaulniers (FR/Watertown, CT), Simon Lai (SR/Garrison, NY), Johan Morales (JR/Southampton, NY), Keefe Martin (SR/Brooklyn, NY), Dylan Gethicker (JR/Lime Lake, NY) and quad-captains Alex Krug (SO/Pine Bush, NY), Justus Lacey (JR/Syracuse, NY), James Felix (SO/Scarsdale, NY) and Justice Smith (JR/Manhattan, NY).

Purchase cut it to 2-1 early on a Morales tally from Felix. Morales, in the process, scored the program's first ever home goal. The department kept a game ball from today for the trophy case to mark the college's 17th intercollegiate varsity sport.

Prior to the start, Martin played a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem on his trumpet – something the music major has done in the past, but given the nature of the day, it felt all the more important on this ceremonious afternoon. Martin was part of the program's club team and has helped guide the transition to full varsity sport.

The patriotic backdrop energized Purchase and provided a competitive first quarter before FSC took over the game. For the contest, the Rams were paced by Tyler Rifice (5 goals), Ryan Wieczorek (4); Daniel Desimone (2); Trevor Church (2); Stephen White (2); Jordan Simmons (2). Seven others scored one goal apiece in the victory.

Farmingdale led 16-1 at the break.

In the second half, Purchase got plenty of sparkling plays from Felix. Felix scored twice, the first off an assist from Lai and the second, unassisted. Felix showcased his offensive talents, making a pair of highlight reel moves to the goal.  

Panther netminder Fruhling also made some nifty saves on the day, despite the final score. He finished with 15 saves.

Purchase head coach Michael Bocklet, Jr. was pleased with the effort and said the day was all part of the learning process for a new, developing program. "We're very excited about our future. These are all steps forward for us."