PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Purchase College men's lacrosse team was defeated by SUNY Cobleskill, 14-7, in their home opener on Tuesday night.

With the result, the Panthers drop to 0-2, while the Fighting Tigers start their season 1-0.

The game opened with a goal from the Blue and Orange but quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading goals in an intense first quarter. Zach Collins (SR/Victor, NY) led the charge for Purchase, netting three first-quarter goals to keep the Panthers within reach at 5-3 leading into the first break..

In the second quarter, the Panthers kept pushing. First-year Vincent Licastri (West Babylon, NY) found the back of the net, followed by a goal from Kevon Joseph (JR/Brooklyn, NY). Their combined efforts trimmed the Cobleskill lead to just 7-5 heading into halftime.

Despite the close score, the guests pulled ahead after the half, outscoring the Blue and Orange 5-1 to take a 12-6 lead in the final frame.

The Panthers added another goal in the fourth, with Jack Saueracker (SR/Old Bethpage, NY) converting on an extra-man opportunity from a feed by Soleil Gaines (SO/Garrison, NY). However, the Fighting Tigers answered with two goals, ultimately ending the game 14-7.

Individually, Collins led Purchase with four goals on eight shots, while Joseph and Licastri added a goal each.

in cage, TJ Pasqualini (FY/West Harrison, NY) recorded two saves, while Sam Erlich (SO/Plainview, NY made 11 stops in relief.

Overall, Purchase was narrowly outshot 43-37 and won 11 of 25 faceoffs, with Cameron Savoca (SO/Nesconset, NY) leading the effort at the X. The Panthers collected 25 ground balls but struggled with turnovers, committing 27 to Cobleskill's 18.

Up next, the Blue and Orange will host Cairn Univeristy on March 8th at noon.