CORTLAND, NY—Buffalo State (2-0) won a five-set marathon over Lebanon Valley (0-2), and then still had enough in the tank to rally for a second  five-set win over Rowan (1-1) in the nightcap to open the season today at the Cortland Red Dragon Classic.

The Bengals outlasted Lebanon Valley in the opener, 17-25, 25-12, 25-15, 23-25 and 15-7.  Sam Parente (E. Patchogue/Bellport) and Hannah Renaldo (N. Collins/N. Collins) had 12 kills each, while Sherrell McLean (Buffalo/City Honors) and Sarah Horvath (Blasdell/Immaculata) added 10 kills apiece.  Horvath also had 21 digs.  Chelsea Moore (Kenmore/Kenmore West) led the team with 37 digs, and Kelsey Bashore (Antwerp, OH/Antwerp) and Hannah Santoro (Lancaster/Lancaster) each dished out 21 assists.

Buffalo State overcame a two-set deficit to defeat Rowan in the late match 25-27, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 15-11.  Parente had 15 kills and five blocks to lead the attack.  Horvath added 14 kills and 14 digs.  Bashore added 23 assists and 17 digs, and Santoro had 22 assists.  Moore chipped in 40 digs and three aces.

Buffalo State will continue the Cortland Classic winner's bracket tomorrow at noon against Richard Stockton.