BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo State women's ice hockey team opened their season this afternoon with a 3-2 win over Neumann University in a non-conference battle in the Ice Arena.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 4, Neumann – 2
LOCATION: Ice Arena – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 1-0-0 (0-0-0 SUNYAC), Neumann: 0-1-0 (0-0-0 UCHC)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Buffalo Bisons) picked up right where she left off last season leading the Bengals offense with two goals.
• Alexa Groh (Elma, NY/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) also scored for the Bengals while Liz Flores (Colleyville, TX/Dallas Stars Edition) netted the first of her collegiate career.
• Eight different Bengals earned an assist across the four Buffalo State goals.
• Jessica Auge (Laingsburg, MI/Honeybaked Detroit) made 19 saves in the effort.
• Buffalo State outshot Neumann 40-12 throughout the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Buffalo State offense got started right away as Groh scored the opening goal less than :30 seconds into the contest.
• Flores would get in on the action shortly after a pass from Carys Ursell (Calgary, AB/Calgary Fire) set up her first collegiate goal.
• The Bengals kept the offensive pressure going as Willick scored, Buffalo State's third goal just six minutes into the action.
• The Knights finally got on the board late in the first on an even strength opportunity.
• Neumann's offense came out quick in the second period scoring within the first minute.
• Buffalo State's offense settled down in the second period despite 16 shot attempts.
• Willick's second goal of the afternoon was the final blow for Neumann as the Bengals will open the season with a win.

FOR THE FOES

• Jamiyah Alexander netted both goals for the Knights.
• Gia Santorello, Lian Sydorowicz, and Marissa Rumsey picked up an assist.
• Michelle Winand-Bacon made 36 saves in the loss.

UP NEXT
The Bengals return to the ice tomorrow afternoon as they host Neumann again at 12:00 pm.