PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College women's basketball dropped a Skyline Conference matchup Monday night, falling to the Mariners of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 69-40.

With the result, the Panthers moved to 2-18 overall and 2-15 in the Skyline. Meanwhile, the Mariners improved to 18-4 and 14-3, respectively.

Merchant Marine started the contest fast, scoring 10 of the first 13 points, before pushing its first-quarter lead to as many as 14 points. After 10 minutes were played, the Mariners lead, 23-12.

That margin started to grow even bigger for the guests in the second quarter, eventually resulting in a 22-point halftime lead, 41-19.

In the second half, the action between the two sides remained similar to the opening half. Despite the deficit, Purchase continued to battle until the very end but never got closer than 21 points the rest of the night.

The Panthers' offense was limited throughout the contest, thanks to the Mariners' defense holding them to just 26 percent from the field. On the flip side, USMMA shot nearly 48 percent overall in the win. 

Individually, sophomore Kasia Morrison (Bronx, NY) led Purchase with 13 points and three steals. Miya Ritchie (SR/Harlem, NY) added 11 points and three steals in the loss.

Up next for the women's basketball team is the final of four-straight home games, as Purchase hosts Manhattanville College on February 9th. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and you can follow it right here.