UTICA, NY – The Buffalo State women's lacrosse team scored a thrilling, last second win on the road, 11-10, against the Utica University Pioneers to improve to an early 2-0 record in the 2025 season.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 11, Utica University - 10
LOCATION: Getano Stadium – Utica, NY 
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 2-0 (0-0 SUNYAC), Utica University: 0-2 (0-0 Empire 8)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Lauren Rinow (Lakeview, NY/Frontier) led the Bengals with four goals in today's game, while also securing a team-high six points by adding two assists to her eventful day. Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) supported Rinow with three goals on the offensive end.
• Sage Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Strathmore) contributed one goal and two assists, while Emilee Josker (Hamburg, NY/Frontier), Bri Struck (Penn Yan, NY/Penn Yan Academy), and Anna Cinquino (Conesus, NY/Livonia) each netted a goal for the Bengals.
• On the defensive end, Rinow led the Bengals with two caused turnovers and three ground balls. In net, Brielle Lum (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Wheatfield) secured the win between the pipes, while Moira Penot (Clifton Heights, PA/Upper Darby) took over in the second half, making five saves. 
• As a team, the Bengals outshot the Pioneers 21-19, with 16 shots on goal compared to the Pioneers' 15. The Bengals also had the edge in draw controls, winning 14.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After dominating the Alfred State College Pioneers in their season opener, the Bengals aimed to maintain their momentum with a strong showing on the road at Utica. They opened the first quarter with three straight goals before the Pioneers responded midway through the period. Both teams added another goal before the quarter ended, with the Bengals leading 4-2 heading into the second.
• In the second quarter, the Bengals kept control, scoring two early goals. While the Pioneers answered with one of their own, the Bengals relied on their defense to shut them down for the remainder of the half, heading into the break with a 6-3 lead. 
• Coming out of halftime, the Bengals faced pressure as the Pioneers scored two quick goals to bring the game within one. However, the Bengals responded with three unanswered goals, regaining momentum. A late goal from the Pioneers before the third quarter ended left the Bengals with a 9-6 lead heading into the fourth.
• In the final quarter, the Pioneers capitalized on their momentum, opening with two quick goals to pull within one. Though the Bengals managed to add another goal, the Pioneers responded with two of their own, tying the game for the first time with under three minutes remaining. As the final seconds ticked away and the Bengals searched for a winning play, Willick found herself with the ball—netting the game-winning goal in the final ten seconds to secure another victory for the Bengals.

FOR THE FOES

• The sister duo of Maria and Grace Stuhlman each netted four-goals in today's game for the Pioneers.
• Makayla Purdy made two saves in net for the Pioneers, with Angelina Borowiec making three-saves in net.

UP NEXT
The Bengals will look to carry their early-season momentum, returning home to Coyer Field for "Staff Appreciation Day" as they host Geneva College on Wednesday, March 5^th at 5:00 P.M.