DEMOREST, GA – The Buffalo State women's lacrosse team fell on the road to Piedmont University, 15-13, in the opening game of their Georgia Spring Break trip.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: Piedmont University – 15, Buffalo State - 13
LOCATION: Walker Athletic Complex – Demorest, GA
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 5-2 (1-0 SUNYAC), Piedmont University: 7-4 (3-0 USA South)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Offensively, Kira Grzechowiak (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) led all scorers with a six-goal performance. Lauren Rinow (Lakeview, NY/Frontier) backed her up with four goals. Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) and Sage Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Strathmore) rounded out the remainder of the Bengals' scoring efforts, with Running Rabbit credited with the lone assist of the game.  
• Defensively, Emilee Josker (Hamburg, NY/Frontier) picked up five draw controls, with Willick and Elona Jackson (West Babylon, NY/North Babylon) picking up four each. Running Rabbit led the way with four caused turnovers, while Anastacia Wells (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) was credited with three. In goal, Brielle Lum (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Wheatfield) and Moira Penot (Clifton Heights, NY/Upper Darby) were each credited with one save each.
• As a team, the Bengals outshot the Lions 45-22, while splitting in draw controls at 15.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Opening their first of three games in Georgia, the Buffalo State Bengals aimed to start their trip on a high note. However, they got off to a sluggish start in the first quarter, feeling the effects of a full day of travel. The Piedmont University Lions capitalized early, scoring back-to-back goals to take the lead. Buffalo State soon found its rhythm, responding with two quick goals to tie the game. Unfortunately, their momentum was short-lived as the Lions answered with two more goals, maintaining their lead into the second quarter.
• The Lions carried their momentum into the second quarter, adding another goal in the opening minutes. The Bengals fought back with another two-goal rally to even the score once again. However, the Lions tightened up defensively and responded with three unanswered goals, taking a three-goal lead into halftime.
• Coming out of the break, the Bengals looked to shift the momentum and make a comeback. However, the deficit grew as the Lions netted two more goals in the third quarter, extending their lead to five. Still, the Bengals showed resilience, closing the quarter with two goals of their own to narrow the gap to three heading into the fourth.
• The Bengals cut the deficit to two goals early in the fourth quarter, but the Lions quickly responded with four unanswered goals, stretching their lead to six. Refusing to back down, the Bengals rallied with five straight goals, bringing the game within one with just five minutes remaining. Despite their late push, the Bengals fell just short as the Lions added a final goal to secure the victory.

FOR THE FOES

• Aly Reece led the Lions with four goals and an assist.
• Ansil Cannon was a stonewall in net, making 18 saves for the Lions.   

 
UP NEXT
The Bengals will look to respond as they take on Berry College on Saturday, March 22^nd at 12:00 P.M.