(BOX SCORE)

BUFFALO, NY— Nicole Laurel (El Monte, CA/Arroyo) recorded the first goal of her collegiate career, but it wasn't enough to propel Buffalo State (1-2/0-1) past Utica (2-0/1-0), as the visiting Pioneers defeated the Bengals, 3-1, in the ECAC West opener for both teams tonight at the Ice Arena.

Laurel put the Bengals on the board at the 13:07 mark of the first period with a power play marker, assisted by Leah Knott (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson) and Lauren Mallo (Maple Ridge, BC/Thomas Harvey). Utica tied the game at 1-1 with a power play goal of its own in the second stanza and tacked on two more in the third period, including the game winner at the 2:33 mark of the third period.

Both teams finished with 24 shots on goal. Buffalo State was 1 for 7 with the skater advantage and Alyssa Koniar (New Berlin, WI/Univ. School of Milwaukee) made 21 saves in net for the Bengals.

Buffalo State and Utica will play again tomorrow at the Ice Arena at 4 p.m.