PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Purchase College women's soccer team scored early and often in a 9-1 non-conference victory against Medgar Evers College Saturday afternoon.

At halftime, the Panthers (4-5-4) honored the program's lone senior as part of the Senior Day festivities. Jenna Hernandez (Bronx, NY), a three-year member of the team, was recognized for her dedication, commitment and unwavering spirit on and off the pitch.

"Jenna's contributions are undeniably vital to the heart and soul of this team," added head coach Nick Malvai. "She is one of the hardest working players and is the embodiment of the values we hold dear in our soccer family—teamwork, perseverance and unwavering support for one another." 

For Hernandez, the ceremony wasn't the only memorable part of the game. The senior forward found the back of the net not once, but twice, in the opening 45 minutes of play. The back-to-back goals, scored less than a minute apart, were career-firsts for Hernandez. 

Also recording goals on the day were Molly McGarvey (JR/East Amherst, NY) Jessica McHugh (FR/), Rebecca Quick (JR/Millbrook, NY), Kate Robinson (JR/Newfoundland, Canada), Lindita Selmani (FR/Brooklyn, NY), Emily Giron (FR/Bronx, NY) and Alina Vazquez (JR/Saugerties, NY).

McGarvey, off the assist from Vazquez, broke the scoring ice less than a minute into the game. Over the next 12 minutes, the Cougars (0-1) forced four Panther shots off target and starting goalie Fatou Karamoko notched a save to keep the game close. 

The Panthers, unfazed by the heavy rain and hungry for another goal, finally broke through at 13:37. McGarvey connected with McHugh, who scored the goal to push PC ahead, 2-0. 

Hernandez scored the next two goals in the 22nd minute, followed by unassisted tallies from Quick and Robinson at 24:39 and 35:58, respectively. 

A Medgar Evers injury followed and forced the Cougars to play with only 10 on the field.  The Purchase coaching staff, out of respect for their opponents, quickly dropped the Panther lineup to 10 active players as well. 

With the game evenly matched, the Cougars were able to slip one past Purchase goalie Carolyn Hough (SO/Massapequa, NY). Torey Richards dribbled through the Panther defense and hit a shot low to the right side of the net. 

Purchase held a 7-1 halftime advantage and tacked on two more after the break. The first, came by way of a Giron free kick at 48:10, and the finale was scored by Vazquez at 53:26.

The Panthers look to continue their winning ways when the team returns to Skyline action at Manhattaville College on Tuesday (Oct. 10) at 5 p.m.

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