(BOX SCORE)

BUFFALO, NY— Melissa Ash (Binghamton, NY/Chenanga Valley) netted the game winner with just five seconds remaining in the overtime session to lift Buffalo State (6-16-1/3-11) to a 2-1 win over visiting Utica in an ECAC West game this afternoon at the Ice Arena.

After a scoreless first period, Utica scored at 15:44 to take a 1-0 lead into the second intermission.  Nikki Kirchberger (Buffalo, NY/W. Seneca West) tied the game with less than five minutes remaining in the third, as she scored her team-leading seventh goal of the season off assists from Jen Seguin (Hamilton, ON/St. Jean de Brebeuf) and Ash to force overtime.  With five ticks remaining, Ash lofted a shot toward the Pioneers net and the puck dropped in behind the Utica goaltender.

Utica finished with a 33-21 advantage in shots, but the Bengals outshot the Pioneers, 4-2, in the extra session.  Both teams were unsuccessful on the power play, with Utica going 0 for 10, while Buffalo State finished 0 for 8.  Jordan Lee (Colorado Springs, CO/Widefield) had 32 saves in the win.

Prior to the game, Buffalo State honored its five seniors playing in the final home game of their careers.  Those honored were: Tara Boliard (Canton, MI/Canton), Courtney Carnes (Winslow, ME/Winslow), Rio Flynn (Winnipeg, MB/Appleby College (ON)), Lauren Mallo (Maple Ridge, BC/Thomas Haney) and Seguin.

Buffalo State will close out its season with a two-game at Potsdam next weekend.