PURCHASE, N.Y. – Men's lacrosse standout Ben Erkan (Bellport, NY) had a night to remember.

The veteran midfielder tied his career-high in goals (6) in Purchase's 9-5 victory against Albertus Magnus Thursday night.

Joe Ely (JR/North Salem, NY) and Connor Schwenker (SR/Westhampton Beach, NY) also recorded tallies for the Panther offense with three combined goals, while Angus Goldman (JR/Palisades, NY) finished with one assist and seven ground balls.

With the win, the Panthers advanced to 2-0 overall. The undefeated start to the season is a first for the young Purchase program. Albertus dropped to 2-1 in defeat.

The visitors struck first in the game, breaking the scoring ice at 10:52 in the opening quarter. Derek Ralston found the back of the net off the pass from Zaheim Wilkins.

Purchase answered with back-to-back tallies from Erkan and another from Schwenker to jump ahead 3-1.

Andrew Luzzi lit up the board for Albertus in the second quarter, but Purchase fired back with a trio of scores to close the first half with a 6-2 advantage.

The Falcons outscored PC, 2-1, in the third quarter to come within three. Purchase, however, used a pair of Erkan goals over the final 15 minutes to secure the 9-5 non-conference victory.  

Freshman goalkeeper Will Boes (Pleasantville, NY) (2-0) earned the win in net for Purchase with six saves. Albertus Magnus netminder Dane Walsh (2-1) finished with a notable 13 saves despite being tagged with the loss.

The Panthers will return to their home field again this Saturday to play host to the Mariners of Mitchell College. The non-conference matchup is slated for 12 p.m.