(BOX SCORE)

CASTLETON, Vt.—Buffalo State (7-6) played its first game since Dec. 11 tonight and did not skip a beat, extending its winning streak to five games with a 3-2 victory over host Castleton (3-6-1) in the opening game of the Rutland Herald Invitational.

Marissa McMullan (Haileybury, ON/Chingaucousy) scored twice to lead Buffalo State. Christine Williams (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls) also scored, and Lauren Mallo (Maple Ridge, BC/Thomas Haney) and Courtney Carnes (Winslow, ME/Winslow) chipped in a pair of assists apiece.

After leading 1-0 through the opening 20 minutes, Buffalo State scored a pair of early goals in the second period to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Castleton netted a power-play marker late in the middle frame and then cut the deficit to one with 2:46 remaining in regulation, but could not tally the equalizer.

Alyssa Koniar (New Berlin, WI/U. School of Milwaukee) made 24 saves for Buffalo State as each team totaled 26 shots on goal. The Spartans finished 1 for 5 on the power play, and the Bengals did not get a chance with the extra attacker.

Buffalo State will face Potsdam in tomorrow's championship game at 4 p.m.