FLUSHING, N.Y. — After a series of frustrating rainouts that left both players and fans eagerly awaiting their return to the court, the Purchase College women's tennis team displayed determination and resilience in a hard-fought 6-3 loss against Pratt Institute on Saturday at the USTA National Tennis Center.

Pratt (2-0) collected the first two wins of the afternoon at first and second doubles, respectively, but Purchase (0-2) broke through in the No. 3 spot to keep the match close. The Panther duo of Sierra Blanco (SO/New York, NY) and Harley Colletti (JR/Bardonia, NY) battled Alice Li and Victoria Hatala from start to finish, recording a well-earned 8-4 victory. 

However, the comeback attempt was short-lived as Purchase faced an uphill battle and strong Cannoneer lineup heading into singles play.

After an Olivia Menchell (JR/Los Angeles, CA) retirement at the No. 3 position pushed Pratt's lead to 3-1, the Cannoneers ran away with 6-0, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-1 wins at second and first singles, respectively, to secure the win.

Despite the match-decision already locked in, fifth and sixth singles continued to battle on the court. Purchase's Elaina Coppola (SR/White Plains, NY) bested Li, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 5, while Novalie Nguyen (SO/Macedon, NY) demonstrated athleticism and determination in a 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 1-0 (10-4) tiebreaker triumph at No. 6.

Up next, the Panthers will play host to Brooklyn College on Monday in a rescheduled (from Sept. 7) non-conference match starting at 3 p.m.