(BOX SCORE)

UTICA, NY—Mike Zannella (Ithaca, NY/Ithaca) scored twice, but it was not enough as No. 13-ranked Utica (9-4) defeated visiting Buffalo State (6-5-2), 3-2, in a non-conference game tonight before 3,839 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

Utica scored the lone goal of the first period, but Zannella evened the scoring early in the second frame. Utica bounced back with two second-period goals of its own to take a 3-1 lead into the final 20 minutes. Zannella struck again midway through the third, but Buffalo State was unable to net the equalizer.

Kevin Carr (Unionville, ON/Unionville) 31 saves as the Pioneers outshot Buffalo State, 34-26.

Buffalo State will take a break for the holidays and return to action at home against Adrian on Jan. 7.