PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Bard College women's basketball team fell Wednesday night to Purchase College, 65-56, during its season opener.
 
The Raptors (0-1) were forced to play catch up all-night, falling behind at one point, 42-26, early in the third quarter. The team showed resilience though, cutting the deficit to 55-51 with 8:22 remaining in the fourth, thanks to a layup from Sarah Morris. 

After Bard cut the lead to just four points, it was all Purchase, who went on an 8-0 run immediately after to seal the victory.

The Raptors shot 37% from the field and outrebounded the Panthers, 42-33, but they couldn't turn it into a positive result in the win column.

Alexis Akingbade led the Raptors with 14 points and Caleigh DeCaprio added 13 points in her collegiate debut. Megan Phelan finished 11 points, while leading the Raptors in rebounds (nine) and assists (four). 

Kayla Ortiz (Brooklyn, NY) and Amber Jones (Bronx, NY) led Purchase with 17 points each.

Bard will return to action, November 19th, as it hosts Mount Saint Mary College at 2:00 p.m. You can follow that game via Live Stats and Live Video right here.