BUFFALO, N.Y.—
Melissa Smith (N. Tonawanda, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) scored both Buffalo State goals, powering the Bengals past Plattsburgh 2-1 to remain undefeated in conference play. The Bengals final regular season home game on Saturday afternoon was also recognized as Senior Day for
Kristina Change (Castaic, CA/Valencia),
Meghan Allen (Big Flats, NY/Corning East) and
Gabrianna Boldinski (Tonawanda, NY/Kenmore East).
THE BASICSFINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 2, Plattsburgh - 1
LOCATION: Coyer Field - Buffalo, N.Y.
RECORDS: Buffalo State (12-3, 7-0 SUNYAC), Plattsburgh (9-5-1, 4-3-0 SUNYAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED- The Bengals started things off quickly on offense and came close to going up 1-0 in the opening minutes of play, but a strong shot from Smith sailed just wide of the net.
- In the 18th minute, Smith scored her first goal of the game off a great pass from Allen. Smith dodged around her defender in the box and drilled the ball into the back of net.
- Later in the half, Smith caught Plattsburgh's goalkeeper off-guard, ripping a shot off a free kick from 20 yards out that tipped off the goalkeepers fingers and under the cross bar, giving Buffalo State a 2-0 lead.
- Just over a minute later, Plattsburgh cut the Bengals lead to one. Buffalo State goalkeeper Jessica McCarey (Middletown, NY/Middletown) came out to challenge Sarah Haight and managed to get a piece of the ball, but Haight had enough on her shot that it ricocheted off and rolled back into the Bengals net.
- In the second half, both teams had opportunities to score, but the goalkeepers did not allow any goals.
- McCarey made two saves and earned her fifth win of the season.
- The Bengals finished with a 15-9 advantage in shots, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal. Buffalo State also held a slight 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.
FOR THE FOES- Haight scored the lone goal for the Cardinals.
- Nicole Gibson recorded seven saves.
UP NEXTBuffalo State will travel across the state for its final two conference games of the regular season, taking on New Paltz at 3 p.m. on Friday and Oneonta at 1 p.m. on Saturday.