(GAME 1 BOX SCORE)
(GAME 2 BOX SCORE)

CLERMONT, Fla.—Buffalo State (3-3) bounced back after a pair of defeats against nationally-ranked opponents yesterday, defeating Southern Maine (2-9), 3-2, in today's opening game, but then lost by a 4-2 count in the second game against Lawrence (6-2) at the USA National Training Center.

The Bengals fell into a 2-1 deficit in the second inning of the opener, but used a pair of hits and a pair of Southern Maine errors to produce two runs in the fourth inning and take a one-run lead they would not relinquish. Buffalo State finished with eight hits on the day, and Julie Joyce (E. Pembroke/Pembroke) was 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs. Kyrstin Lekki (N. Tonawanda/Niagara-Wheatfield) was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI, and Krista Baker (Dunkirk/Dunkirk) was also 2 for 3 with a double. Tricia Kennery (Williamsville/Williamsville North) improved to 2-0 in the circle, allowing eight hits and fanning four in the complete game effort.

It was Buffalo State who held a 2-1 lead after two innings in the second game, but Lawrence battled back, plating runs in tops of the third, sixth and seventh innings to claim the two-run victory. Sara Morse (Painted Post/Corning West) paced the Bengals at the plate, going 2 for 3 and driving in both runs, and Sam Strapason (Williamsville/Williamsville South) continued to swing a hot bat, going 2 for 4. Niki Rieman (Derby/Lakeshore) started the game on the mound for the Bengals, but was chased after giving up four hits and two runs in three innings of work. Jenna Frieling (E. Amherst/Williamsville North) suffered the loss in relief, allowing five hits and two runs with two strikeouts in four innings.

Buffalo State will continue its spring trip with two more games tomorrow against Elmhurst (IL) and Manchester (IN) at 5 and 7 p.m. respectively.