(BOX SCORE)

BUFFALO, NY—Utica (9-6/5-2) exploded for three second-period goals to defeat host Buffalo State (3-6-3/1-6-2), 5-2, in an ECAC West battle today at the Ice Arena.

The teams traded goals back and forth in the opening frame with Mariah Fairgrieve (Ft. Erie, ON/ Lakeshore Catholic) tallying a goal and an assist for the Bengals. Melissa Jeckovich (Niagara Falls, NY/ Niagara Falls) also scored for the Bengals, but Utica netted the go-ahead goal just 1:08 into the second period and added two more to put the game away.

The Pioneers outshot Buffalo State, 43-18. Shannon Anesetti (Canonsburg, PA/Canon-McMillan) made 38 saves for the Bengals.

Buffalo State will host Utica again tomorrow at 2 p.m.