BUFFALO, NY – In her freshman debut, Allegheny (6-2) goalkeeper Tara Lynch came up with seven saves to help the Gators defeat Buffalo State (1-3-2) 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Coyer Field.

Both teams played an even match throughout the first half.

The Bengals had a free kick from Gabrianna Boldinski (Tonawanda, NY/Kenmore East) with four minutes to go before half, but Lynch made a great save to keep the game scoreless.

In the second half, Lynch made another good save, stealing the ball off the Bengals after Buffalo State came out of halftime with a quick step.

The Gators managed the first and only goal of the game at 49:45. Jessie Thiessen sent a cross that was handled by Jessica McCarey (Middetown, NY/Middletown), but after an Allegheny attacker ran over the keeper and dislodged the ball, Faith Robinson chipped the loose ball into the back of the net.

The Bengals had a few chances to even the game as the clock ran down. Kristin Seiferth (Brightwaters, NY/Bay Shore) had a solid cross, but Lynch managed to get control of the ball before anyone else could. With just over five minutes remaining, Gina Taggart (Chester, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) took a free kick that sailed high of the goal.

Seiferth paced the Bengals offensively, taking four shots with three on target.

McCarey recorded the loss in net, finishing with two saves.

The Bengals finished with an 11-6 advantage in shots and a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Buffalo State returns to action at home on Saturday, September 20 for a 4 p.m. matchup against Medaille.