Patchogue, N.Y. – A five-goal first quarter by St. Joseph's College (LI) proved too much for the Purchase College men's lacrosse team to overcome as the Golden Eagles walked away with a 12-8 Skyline Conference victory Tuesday afternoon.

Purchase (0-3, 0-3 SKY) was led by senior Ben Erkan (Bellport, NY) who recorded a season-high three goals to go along with five ground balls. The Panthers also received two goals, one assist and five ground balls from senior attacker Brendan Johnson (White Plains, NY), while sophomore attacker Connor Schwenker (Westhampton Beach, NY) netted a pair of goals and five ground balls.

Sophomore midfielder Joe Ely (North Salem, NY) also had a hand in for two of Purchase's eight goals with a pair of assists, while freshman midfielder Jayden Morrobel (Bronx, NY) finished with one goal and senior defender Bridger Carreau (Marietta, GA) picked up a team-best six ground balls.

Senior goalkeeper Eamon McGee (White Plains, NY) reached a career-high 12 saves despite being tagged with the loss.

The host Golden Eagles (3-3, 3-3 SKY) broke the scoring ice with four unanswered goals in the opening minutes. Erkan netted Purchase's first tally off the assist from Ely with 8:20 remaining but SJC answered back with another goal to close the first quarter with a 5-1 advantage.

Purchase was the first to light up the board in the second quarter but ST. Joe's fired back with a 3-0 run to give the Golden Eagles an 8-2 halftime lead.

The Panthers clawed back in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 6-4 over the final two quarters. Despite its late rally, Purchase could not overcome the first half deficit as the Panthers closed the game in defeat, 12-8.

Up next, Purchase will celebrate its Senior Night with a Skyline match against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy this Friday at 7 p.m.