PURCHASE, N.Y. – Purchase College women's basketball returned home Saturday to open the 2024 calendar year with an 80-48 Skyline Conference setback to visiting Sarah Lawrence College.

A back-and-forth opening quarter saw Purchase hit 41 percent of its shots and match the Gryphon offense on four occasions. Jessica McHugh (FR/Ellenville, NY) led all players in the stanza with six points, while Halle Greaige's made free throw pushed the scoreline to an even 16-all.

The Panthers connected on back-to-back possessions early in the second quarter, tying the game (20-20) on a McHugh layup, assisted by Greaige. 

Sarah Lawrence, however, pulled away in the minutes to follow and never looked back. The Gryphons held a 35-23 halftime lead and closed the final 20 minutes on 50 percent shooting from the field.
 
Four Gryphons reached double-digit scoring, highlighted by double-double performances from Colleen Coughlin and Khailand Anderson-Strawder. Coughlin finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Anderson-Strawder recorded 16 points and 11 boards. Kaila Dorch and Christina Reilly rounded out the top scorers with 19 and 11 points, respectively. 

Purchase was led by McHugh, who produced a career-best 16 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Charlee Neb (Longmont, CO) added 11 points and a team-best six assists.  

With the loss, Purchase dropped to 0-11 overall (0-8 Skyline). The Panthers—still on the hunt for their first win—will look to collect it this Wednesday against the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

For the latest news on the Panthers, visit the official site of Purchase College Athletics. Also, become a follower of the Panthers on Instagram (purchasewbb) and Twitter (@PC_Panthers), and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (@purchasecollegeathletics).