PURCHASE, N.Y. – In the final home game of the 2022 season, the Purchase women's soccer team bid farewell to five of the program's finest in a Senior Day game against SUNY Old Westbury. Despite a second-half offensive surge, the host Panthers fell 3-1 in the Skyline Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon.

Suiting up for their last home appearance, seniors Kristiana Brunder (Holbrook, NY), Haley Cascio (Deer Park, NY), Michelle Gomez (Oceanside, NY) Kristen Purcell (Sauquoit, NY) and Lauren Pudelka (Danbury, CT) were honored with a pregame ceremony. Surrounded by teammates, coaches and loved ones, each senior was recognized for their contributions to the program and accomplishments throughout their Panther career.

The opening minutes of the game were evenly matched with possession but chances in Purchase's attacking third were limited. Old Westbury held a 6-0 shot advantage over the first 10 minutes, eventually scoring on a Purchase misstep that resulted in an own goal (10:06). 

PC counter-attacked with back-to-back shots from Purcell and Pudelka in the 17th and 18th minutes, respectively, but both attempts came up short. On the opposite end of the pitch, rookie netminder Carolyn Hough (FR/Massapequa, NY) was able to keep the Old Westbury attack at bay with a slew of noteworthy saves.  

With less than two minutes remaining in the half, OW's Mia Almonte collected a pass from Bernadelle Dorvil and broke through the PC defense. Forcing Hough off the goal line for the breakaway, Almonte shot low to the far post to give the visitor's a 2-0 edge at the break. 

Purchase head coach Nick Malvai's halftime speech proved to be an impactful one for the Panthers. Less than eight minutes into the stanza, Purcell found the back of the net on a 25-yard free kick. The standout senior delivered a well-placed curling ball to the upper net, earning her 10th goal of the season along the way.  

Both teams rattled off shots in the minutes to follow but Old Westbury was the only tea to strike net. After assisting on the team's first breakaway tally, Dorvil was now on the receiving end of a pass that resulted in another 1v1 with the goalie. Jessica Pedroza recorded the assist on the play.

Earning the win for Old Westbury, Natalie Intrieri made six saves in the 90 minutes of action. 

In her final home appearance, Cascio started in goal for Purchase but due to an injury sustained earlier in the week, she was subbed out after the first whistle. Hough clocked in for 88:43, recording an impressive 16 stops, including a stellar diving save in the second half.  

Purchase will take to the road on Wednesday for its final game of the 2022 season. The Panthers will face the Knights of Mount Saint Mary College in a Skyline duel slated for 7 p.m.

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