PURCHASE, NY – Facing Skyline Conference opponents for the first time this season, the Purchase College women's basketball team fell to the visiting U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 68-41, on Tuesday night.

Purchase sophomore guard Shadai Plowden (Yonkers, NY) led the Panthers with 18 points—tying for game-best with USMMA's Taylor Hightower.

Panther rookie Jazzmyne Hernandez (FR/Bronx, NY) came off the bench and went 3-for-4 from the field for eight points, while senior guard Arta Krasniqi (Bronx, NY) led all players with an impressive 15 rebounds and three blocks.

For the undefeated Mariners (3-0, 2-0 SKY), Hightower led the way with a double-double performance. The senior guard recorded 18 points and 14 boards (8 Off.) to go along with three blocks and three assists. Julia Dahlke contributed 15 points and a game-high five blocks, while Kiana Vega added 12 points and a notable 14 rebounds. 

Purchase (0-5, 0-1 SKY) shot 32.6 percent from the field (15-for-46) and was only able to connect on a single 3-pointer (1-for-14). USMMA shot 30.6 percent (26-for-85) from the field and 30.4 percent (7-for-23) from beyond the arc. The Mariners out-rebounded the Panthers, 57-37, on the night.

Purchase returns to its home court on Dec. 3 for another Skyline matchup.  The Panthers will host Sarah Lawrence College for a tipoff starting at 7 p.m.

For the latest news on the Panthers, log on to www.purchasecollegeathletic.com – the official site of Purchase College athletics. Also, become a follower of the Panthers on Instagram (purchaseathletics), Twitter (@PC_Panthers), and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (@purchasecollegeathletics).