PURCHASE N.Y. - The Purchase College women's basketball team dedicated their home opener to Diabetes Awareness on Tuesday evening in a matchup against Anna Maria College. Despite a strong third-quarter push, the Blue and Orange fell 71-48, bringing their season record to 1-2. Anna Maria also moved to 1-2 overall with the victory.

Before the game, the Panthers announced their diabetes awareness fundraiser, held a bake sale, and distributed wristbands in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, observed throughout November to promote education, management, and prevention of the disease.

With the formalities complete, tip-off commenced, and Anna Maria quickly took control, surging to a 17-6 lead by the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to 30-16 by halftime.

Purchase rallied after the break, outscoring the Amcats 20-14 in the third quarter, with Carlye Graff (SR/South Nyack, NY) and Charlee Neb (JR/Longmont, CO) combining for 13 points. However, Anna Maria's 27-point fourth quarter halted the comeback, sealing the game at 71-48.

Individually, Graff led Purchase with 17 points, shooting 5-for-12 from the field, including three three-pointers, while Neb added 11 points and contributed four rebounds and four steals. Kaylena Steiner (SO/Fresno, CA) added eight points and six boards and Kendall Larsen (SO/Staten Island, NY) led the defense with 10 rebounds.

Up next, the Blue and Orange will travel to Saint Elizabeth University for a 1 p.m. game on November 16th.

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).