(GAME 1 BOX)
(GAME 2 BOX)

CLERMONT, Fla.—Buffalo State opened its 2009 season with a pair of victories today at the U.S. National Training Center defeating Southern Maine (0-4), 7-3, in the opener, before blasting Keene State, 7-1, in the late game.

Buffalo State took a 2-1 lead into the fourth before exploding with a four-run inning against Southern Maine, and cruised to the season-opening victory. Jolene Banach (Cheektowaga/Maryvale) paced the offense, going 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs. Carly Lopez (Oriskany/Oriskany) was 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs, and Nicole Sabuda (Orchard Park/Orchard Park) also had an RBI single. Jenna Frieling (E. Amherst/Williamsville North) earned the win, allowing six hits and two earned runs while striking out seven.

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the Bengals worked out of a no-out bases loaded jam in the third inning to preserve the margin. Buffalo State pushed the lead to 7-0 with a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth and another in the seventh. Keene State did its only damage with a single run in the bottom of the seventh. Sabuda went the distance on the mound, tossing a four-hitter and was 1 for 3 with a two-run double at the plate. Marissa Mariano (Williamsville/Mt. St. Mary) was 3 for 4 with a homerun and two RBIs. Banach was 2 for 4 with two more RBIs, and Lindsay Goff (Patterson/Brewster) was also 2 for 4. Sara Morse (Painted Post/Corning West) was 1 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Buffalo State will face Elmhurst and Eastern Connecticut tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. respectively.