Purchase, NY (Sept. 6, 2018) – A large crowd came out to see the new-look Purchase College women's volleyball team, which didn't disappoint, despite the 3-0 loss to visiting Brooklyn College Thursday night. 

The Panthers performed well in their home opener, extending rallies throughout the match. Purchase fell 25-13, 25-19, 25-11, challenging a very good Brooklyn team in the season opener for both clubs. The non-conference tilt was a win-win for both programs, with both coaches getting an opportunity to look at their rosters and get some fresh faces playing time. The Panthers, with their freshman filled roster, might have benefited even more, even if the final result wasn't what they hoped for.

In the win, the Bulldogs (1-0) were led by Michaela Appel and her 12 kills. Erzi Shor followed with six kills. Yana Shaposhnikova led the way defensively with 10 digs. Claudia Moi paced the team with 12 assists.

Purchase (0-1) received solid contributions from throughout. Newcomers Sommer Code (FR/Bronx, NY), Gia Gwin (FR/Yonkers, NY) and Grace Ann Gropp (FR/Webster, NY) shined offensively. Code totaled eight kills in the loss. Gwin and Gropp added two apiece.

Code also notched three service aces and a match-best 13 digs. Captain Joetta Francis (JR/New York, NY) added two blocks, while teammates Skyla Schoppmeyer (FR/Oakdale, NY) and Karina Medina (FR/Brooklyn, NY) turned in well-rounded stat lines. Schoppmeyer finished with 12 digs, three assists and one ace. Media netted a team-best 11 assists and shared the match-best in digs with Code. Hadiyah Phillips (FR/Yonkers, NY) also looked sharp in her first collegiate match.

This year's Purchase team has 15 players on the roster, including 11 freshman.

The young Panthers will look to rebound and continue to improve next time out. Purchase will travel to York College on Sept. 11.