Brooklyn, NY (Sept. 5, 2017) – Purchase standout rookie Cerissa DiValentino burst on the scene Tuesday against Yeshiva University at Aviator Field.

The freshman forward, who broke New Paltz High School record for goals, wasted little acquainting herself to the college game. She scored five goals as the Panthers shutout YU, 8-0.

Brett Robison (SO/Franklin Square, NY) opened the scoring in Purchase's season opener. She was assisted by Brittany Esposito (JR/Flushing, NY).

DiValentino (FR/New Paltz, NY) then followed with three straight goals for a quick hat trick in the first half.

Robison added her second goal of the game off an assist from Breann McKeon (JR/Staten Island, NY).

Purchase's promise for the future was on full display. All of the scorers for the visitors are underclassmen.

Rookie Berenice Rojas (New York, NY) scored her first collegiate goal. She was assisted by DiValentino, who then added four and five to cap the game – both of which came in the final 15 minutes of play. Rojas returned the favor, along with Tori La Fata (JR/East Meadow, NY) on the second to last goal, while DiValentino found the back of the net from 15 yards out on the final goal.

Earlier Rojas was credited with an assist on DiValentino's second goal of the game, while Nina Brennan (SR/Staten Island, NY) assisted on the third.

All told, Purchase won the shot differential (33-2) and the corner kicks (8-1), among other important categories on the evening.

To boot, DiValentino put the finishing touches on a memorable Orange and Blue debut, helping first-year head coach Breena Salwocki earn her first collegiate victory behind the bench.  

The win improved Purchase to 1-0. The Panthers will now host the College of Staten Island on Thursday night at 7 p.m.