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

BUFFALO, NY—After dropping the opener 5-1, Buffalo State (10-16/8-6) used a six-run inning and a heads up stolen base to salvage a split against visiting New Paltz (12-16/4-10), 7-6, in a SUNYAC doubleheader this afternoon and into the evening.

New Paltz blasted 16 hits in the opening game, and despite leaving 13 runners on base, cruised to the 5-1 victory. The Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in a five-hit first inning and added two more runs before the Bengals plated their only run in the sixth inning. Sara Morse (Painted Post/Corning West) was 2 for 3 with a double, and Aleesha Williams (Cheektowaga/Pioneer) was also 2 for 3. Krista Baker (Dunkirk/Dunkirk) finished 1 for 2 and drove in the Bengals' only run on a sacrifice fly. Williams pitch 6 2/3 innings of relief, allowing 11 hits, but just two runs. Kaylee Lekki (N. Tonawanda/Niagara-Wheatfield) suffered the loss, allowing five hits and three runs in less than one full inning of work.

Buffalo State erased an early 1-0 deficit, erupting for six runs on seven hits in the third inning of the late game, chasing a pair of New Paltz pitchers in the process. The play of the game came in the fifth inning however, with the Bengals clinging to a 6-5 lead. After a foul ball, the New Paltz pitcher got the ball and stepped out of the circle facing second base. Julie Joyce (E. Pembroke/Pembroke) recognized the situation and stole home to score what would prove to be the winning run. The Hawks added another run in the sixth, but could not get the equalizer. The Bengals finished with 12 hits, including two each by Morse, Baker, Williams and Sam Strapason (Williamsville/Williamsville North). Kyrstin Lekki (N. Tonawanda/Niagara-Wheatfield) added a double and two RBIs. Sam Tilkens (Grand Island/Grand Island) earned the win on the mound, scattering eight hits and allowing five runs in five innings. Williams picked up the save, giving up one run in the final two innings.

Buffalo State will play host to Brockport on Monday for another conference doubleheader at 3 p.m.