New York, NY (Sept. 16, 2017) – Despite a breakout performance from middle hitter Alex Lally, Purchase lost both ends of a tri-match to strong non-conference opponents, Alfred University and Hunter College Saturday.

In the process, Alfred picked up its first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Purchase.

The Saxons posted a 25-14, 25-17, 25-15 final before dropping an 0-3 decision to the hosts, Hunter, with set scores of 16-25, 17-25, 18-25.

Hunter also defeated Purchase, 3-0. The Hawks won 25-12, 25-8 and 25-13.

Against Alfred in the first match of the day, Lally (SR/Mesquite, TX) led the Panthers in kills (six), assists (seven) and digs (eight), while also sharing the team lead in blocks with two others.

Alfred was led in scoring by Jacquelynn Hicks, who had 16 points off 12 kills, three aces and two block assists. All but one Saxon scored at least one point.

Later in the afternoon against Hunter, the Panthers started the first set with a 3-2 edge, but the Hawks quickly pulled ahead off points from Kendra Moore and Julia Connolly. They closed it out with a 6-1 run to take the 1-0 lead in the match.

The hosts went on a 10-1 run to begin the second set, finding kills from Isabelle Lawrence and Marlena Budna to lead 11-3. From there Hunter's Brittney Wang served 11-straight, including five service aces as the Hawks pushed the lead to 22-4 and eventually take it, 25-8.

A strong start to the third set helped Hunter complete the sweep.

Maura Gribbins (JR/Buffalo, NY) paced the Panthers offensively with five kills. Lally added four and five assists. She shared the team lead in the assist category with rookie Noelle Miller (SO/Chittenango, NY), Kaitlyn Pillig (JR/Mamaroneck, NY) led the Panthers defensively with eight digs.

-Alfred and Hunter Sports Information Contributed to this report