THROGGS NECK, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's lacrosse team was defeated in its Skyline Conference opening game Tuesday, falling to Maritime College, 15-7.

The loss dropped the Panthers to 5-3 on the season, while Privateers of Maritime improved to 7-3 overall.

Maritime led 4-1 after one quarter, as Zach Zarrella (SO/Leominster, MA) provided the lone goal for the Panthers. Purchase cut the lead in half early in second, when Brady Fahy (SR/Rochester, NY) got in on the scoring, but from there it was all Maritime. 

The hosts proceeded to score the final five goals of the half to lead 9-2 at the halftime break. In the third quarter, Maritime added two more goals, while Zarrella added his second of game. 

Dylan Gethicker (SR/Lime Lake, NY) got the Panthers within striking distance early in the fourth with a pair of goals, cutting the deficit to 11-5 with 13:36 remaining. But the Privateers quickly ended any comeback hopes with four-straight goals in the frame, as they eventually took the contest, 15-7.

Matt DeMeo (SO/Sayville, NY) led the way for Maritime with five goals, while Mike Leake (SO/Rockville Centre, NY) added three goals and two assists. Justin Weigold (SR/Huntington, NY) finished with 10 saves and the win.

For the Panthers, Matt Sayegh (JR/Hopewell Junction, NY) collected 15 saves in the effort. Gethicker recorded the two goals and five ground balls. Ben Erkan (SO/Bellport, NY) picked up four ground balls and went 10-for-17 on face offs. Dan Ohrem (JR/Ridgefield, CT) added a pair of goals in loss.

Up next for Purchase is more Skyline action, as the team travels north to take on Mount Saint Mary College on April 10th. That game is set to begin at 7 p.m. and you can follow it here.