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

BUFFALO, NY—Buffalo State (14-18) used a two-out RBI-single in the bottom of the seventh inning by Aleesha Williams (Cheektowaga/Pioneer) to earn a split against visiting Ithaca (26-10) in a non-conference doubleheader, answering a 6-4 loss with a 3-2 victory.

In the opening game, Buffalo State worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the top of the first, but the Bombers broke through with five runs, including two homers in the second inning. After Ithaca added another run in the sixth inning, the Bengals attempted to mount a comeback bid with two runs in the sixth and two more on a two-run home run by Krista Baker (Dunkirk/Dunkirk) in the seventh, but they could not even the score. Williams extended her hitting streak to seven games, going 2 for 3, and Breanna Fenski (Cheektowaga/Maryvale) was 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Sam Tilkens (Grand Island/Grand Island) started the game, but was injured on a line drive off her pitching hand from the game's second batter. Kaylee Lekki (N. Tonawanda/Niagara-Wheatfield) came on in relief and took the loss, allowing six hits in seven innings of work.

Williams was the story in the late game. In addition to pushing her hitting streak to eight games, going 2 for 4 with the game-winning RBI, she also cruised on the mound, tossing the complete game, scattering six hits and allowed no earned runs. The Bengals built an early 2-0 lead, but Ithaca plated unearned runs in the fourth and sixth to even the score. After the first two hitters got out in the bottom of the seventh, Kyrstin Lekki (N. Tonawanda/Niagara-Wheatfield) and Sam Strapason (Williamsville/Williamsville North) both singled to set the stage for Williams who hit a flare to left field. Lekki was 3 for 4 with a homer, a double and two RBIs. Jordan Dudish (Grand Island/Grand Island) was 2 for 3 with a double.

Buffalo State is scheduled to conclude its regular season tomorrow at home against Brockport at 3 p.m.