Purchase, NY (April 29, 2017) – Four key members of the Purchase College women's lacrosse team were recognized today on Senior Day.

The seniors and the playoff bounded Panthers turned around and did not disappoint. Purchase soundly defeated Mitchell College, 20-6.

Prior to the game, Purchase celebrated the careers of Kelsey Straub (SR/White Plains, NY), Cynthia Plackis (JR/East Northport, NY), Emma Porter (JR/Homer, NY) and Daniella Martins (JR/Mahopac, NY). Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini MCed the brief ceremony, which included friends, family and loved ones on field.

Interim head coach Julie Trombetta, who has filled in nicely for head coach Francesca Levine while she is on maternity leave, penned a speech to the team that included some kind words for each of the seniors. Ciafardini delivered those speeches to the crowd and the on-field guests.

"Being my first year with this team, it has been a whirlwind to say the least," Trombetta wrote. "It was hard at times, as all seasons are, but as it comes to an end, it's been a fun and exciting learning experience that I will never forget, especially as we move forward into the playoffs next week.

"I want to thank this group of seniors and have no doubt they will do great things in their future, as they have done for our team over the years. Each and every one of them is fearless, strong and successful, both on and off the field. We all wish them the absolute best and hope they never forget their memories, friends and family here at Purchase. We will miss you and good luck!"

Straub was introduced first. "A two-sport athlete, Kelsey has been helpful both on defense and in the midfield at times, when we really needed her," Ciafardini said. "Her quick legs and athleticism has shined throughout the season.

"She is second in ground balls and first in red cards," Ciafardini joked. "Never afraid of anything and always willing to work hard, she's been a great athlete to coach this season."  

Plackis, a junior who like the program's final three honorees, will be graduating early. She will graduate at the end of next fall.   

"Cynthia, a two-sport athlete, has been the loudest and most passionate part of our defense or maybe even the whole team. Last season, Plackis took home her first All-Skyline recognition after leading the conference in save percentage. It was her first year as a starting goalkeeper. Cynthia will be the first to tell you what's on her mind and isn't afraid to push people to be their best selves, whether they want to hear it or not. Eighty saves for the year, she is a force in the net that will be missed."

Porter followed.  

"She was the Skyline Rookie of the Year last year, an All-Skyline selection as a sophomore transfer and an All-Region pick in 2016, ranking in the Top 5 in the Skyline leaders in goals, assists and points per contest. This season, she has been awesome offensively once again. She has 43 goals and 20 assists for 63 points.

"Emma is the definition of resilient and has proven that game after game. She is the leader in goals, assists and points for the season. Whether she is taping her shoes together, or throwing a behind the back shot, we are all going to miss her spunky Emma-isms."

Martins was the final senior introduced. She has recovered from back surgery.

"And last but certainly not least, let's hear it for Daniella Martins," Ciafardini said. "Daniella has been with us for three seasons, which has included the two best years for the program in its young history. She's played in all 10 games with 16 ground balls and eight draw controls this season. Last season, she had 21 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers.

"We can always turn to this terrific defender when we need a morale boost. She is energetic, determined and a little crazy at times. Tough on the field and a driven captain, she is the 'backbone' of our defense."  

Fueled by the good vibes of the Senior Day ceremonies and a large home crowd, which was backed by the weekend's Culture Shock festivities on campus, Purchase dominated the Mariners. Members of the Purchase men's volleyball and men's lacrosse teams were among the spectators, and provided a large cheering section for lax in its final regular-season game of the spring.

Madi Smith (JR/Lagrangeville, NY), Meaghan Gillen (FR/Port Jervis, NY) and Porter recorded hat tricks. Alex Lally (JR/Sunnyvale, TX), Zoe Hines (JR/Maplewood, NJ) and Martins had two goals, while Plackis, who moved from goal to the field in the second half, had one goal, along with teammates Alexandra Capizola (SO/Bridgewater, NJ), Virginia Redlon (JR/Carmel, NY), Alexa Youre-Moses (SO/Rockaway Beach, NY) and Kelly Turtell (JR/Farmingdale, NY).

Mitchell was paced by Ashley Murtha. She scored four of the team's six goals.