Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 NEW PALTZ, NY—Buffalo State (17-13/9-7) scored a pair of critical wins at New Paltz (10-22/7-11), winning 9-1 in a five-inning game and then completing the sweep by topping the Hawks, 3-2, in the nightcap, a 10-inning contest at Mary Gray Deane Field today.  With the wins, Buffalo State secured a berth in the SUNYAC playoffs.
 
A five-run first inning catapulted the Bengals to a lopsided victory in the opening game. Buffalo State would add another four runs in the third to take a 9-0 lead, before New Paltz plated its lone run of the game in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Carly Knight (Lewiston/Lewiston-Porter) paced the Bengals' offense, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Sarah Gorski (Cheektowaga/Depew) was also 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Joanna Bardak (Amherst/Amherst) went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI, Taylor Swiatek (East Aurora/Orchard Park) finished 1 for 3 with an RBI and Jenna Clarke (Brockport/Brockport) also doubled for Buffalo State.  Maddie Coneys (Clifton Park/Catholic Central) started the game in the circle, allowing one hit in two innings of work, with two strikeouts.  Sam Tilkins (Grand Island/Grand Island) pitched the final three innings, allowing four hits and one earned run in relief to earn the win.
 
Kate Brownell (Batavia/Oakfield-Alabama) got things started for Buffalo State in the late game, with a double in the first inning that scored Bardak and Stephanie Novo (Cheektowaga/Depew). The Hawks scored single runs in both the third and fourth to tie the game and force extra innings. The International Tiebreaker Rule took effect in the top of the 10th, placing Clarke on second base. She advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chrissy Rennard (Brockport/Brockport) and would ultimately be hit home by Shelly Maggard (Niagara Falls/Niagara-Wheatfield) for the win.
 
Jordan Dudish (Grand Island/Grand Island) finished 2 for 4, Brownell went 1 for 3, Novo was 1 for 5 with a double and Bardak also went 1 for 5 for the Bengals. Tilkins earned the win, throwing two shutout innings, with one strikeout while not allowing a hit.
 
Buffalo State will close out the conference regular season on Monday with a pair of games at Brockport beginning at 3 p.m.  By sewing up a playoff berth, the Bengals will compete in the six-team double elimination SUNYAC Championship that will be held at top-seeded Oneonta on May 1-4.