PAXTON, Mass. – The Purchase College men's lacrosse team opened the season with a 10-4 loss to Anna Maria College on Saturday afternoon, marking the debut under new head coach Jake Fitzgerald.

With the result, the Panthers start the season 0-1, while the AMCATS improved to 1-0.

Anna Maria struck first with two early goals, but the Panthers responded as first-year Zach Scott (West Babylon, NY) scored his collegiate debut goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the second quarter.

Purchase surged ahead before halftime, with Zach Collins (SR/Victor, NY) and Kevon Joseph (JR/Brooklyn, NY) finding the back of the net to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead at the break.

The momentum continued early in the third, as Collins netted his second goal off an assist from Jack Saueracker (SR/Old Bethpage, NY), pushing the lead to 4-2. However, the AMCATS answered with two quick strikes, knotting the game at 4-4 heading into the final frame.

From there, Anna Maria took over in the fourth, unleashing a six-goal surge to claim the 10-4 victory.

Individually, Collins led the Panthers' offense with four shots and two goals, while Brendon Truex (JR/Middletown, NY) anchored the defense with four caused turnovers.

In goal, TJ Pasqualini (FY/West Harrison, NY) made his debut and recorded 17 saves.

Overall, Purchase registered 13 shots and collected 11 ground balls.

Up next, the Blue and Orange will host their home opener against SUNY Cobleskill on March 4th at 7 p.m.