NEWARK, N.J. - The Purchase College men's volleyball team lost of a pair of contests Saturday afternoon, falling to Stevenson University and Rutgers-Newark in non-conference matchups.

With the losses, the Panthers dropped to 8-9 overall.

Game One: Stevenson 3, Purchase 0 (25-13, 25-22 and 25-11)

In the opening contest, the Blue and Orange struggled to match the hitting of the Mustangs, producing just 22 kills to their 35 kills on .086 hitting.

The second set saw the closest action between the two sides, as Purchase held the lead much of the way. It wasn't until the final stretch, down 20-17, that Stevenson made its comeback and secured the frame, 25-22.

Individually, Channing Williams (SO/Neptune, NJ) led all players with 16 points (14 kills, two block assists and an ace) and six digs.

Ayden Mercado (FY/Brooklyn, NY) collected 18 assists, while Tony Acosta (FY/Bronx, NY) recorded six digs in the effort.

Game Two: Rutgers 3, Purchase 0 (25-23, 25-19 and 25-11)

Following the opening match defeat, the Panthers started the second contest with some of their best play of the day.

Throughout the first set, Purchase and Rutgers-Newark battled until the guests held the lead late, 23-21. Unfortunately, they wouldn't score again, allowing the hosts to escape with the victory.

The subsequent stanzas then favored the Scarlet Raiders as they enjoyed bigger and bigger wins.

Overall, the Panthers recorded 23 kills on -.014 hitting, while the hosts finished with 34 and .276, respectively.

Williams once again led the offensive charge, finishing with nine kills and block assist.

Mercado totaled 17 assists, while Acosta collected seven digs in the loss.

Up next for the Blue and Orange is a return to Skyline Conference play, as they host Yeshiva University on March 3rd at 7 p.m.