PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Purchase College women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season by hosting the Purchase Panther Classic, splitting their two contests with a loss to Cedar Crest College on Friday night before bouncing back with a dominant win over Cairn University on Saturday afternoon. The four-team event featured Cedar Crest College, Cairn University, Lehman College and Purchase College.

The weekend tipped off Friday evening with Lehman College defeating Cairn University, 79-52. The Lightning controlled the game from start to finish, using a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring to earn the win.

In Friday's nightcap, Purchase fell to Cedar Crest College, 76-50. The Falcons outscored the Panthers 41-21 over the final two quarters to secure the victory. Tianna Patten (FY/Mount Vernon, NY) led Purchase with nine points, six rebounds and four steals, while Charlie Nebb (SR/ Longmont, CO) added seven points and three steals. Kendall Larsen (JR/Port Richmond, NY) contributed a team-high seven rebounds and five points.

Saturday's action began with a high-scoring battle between Cedar Crest and Lehman, with the Falcons edging the Lightning, 81-75, to finish the weekend 2-0. At the conclusion of the game, Lehman's #13 Heaven Figueroa and Cedar Crest's #15 Samora Merchant were recognized for their standout performances, with Cedar Crest's #24 Ella Bincarosky earning MVP honors.

In the Saturday finale, Purchase responded with a 77-44 victory over Cairn University. The Panthers jumped out to a 20-9 first-quarter lead and never looked back. Patten led the charge with 16 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field, including 1-of-1 from three. Larsen added 11 points and five rebounds, while Kaylena Steiner (JR/Fresno, CA) and Jamyra Mccray (FY/Brooklyn, NY) each had five steals and contributed nine and 13 points, respectively. Cairn's #1 Kailee Sobrino and Purchase's Patten were recognized at the conclusion of the game.

With the split, Purchase moves to 1-1 on the young season and returns to action on Nov. 12 with a 6 p.m. road tip-off against the University of New Haven.

For the latest news on the Panthers, follow them on Instagram (purchasewbb), Twitter (@PC_Panthers) and TikTok (@purchasecollegeathletics) and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (@purchasecollegeathletics).