SUNYAC CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND – #5 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS VS #4 SUNY ONEONTA RED DRAGONS
Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 1:00 PM
Red Dragon Field – Oneonta, NY
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LAST TIME OUT… Last time out, the Bengals dropped a hard-fought 17-8 decision to the Oswego State Lakers in their home finale
Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) led the Bengals with three goals and an assist in a four-point performance.
Lauren Rinow (Lakeview, NY/Frontier) added two-goals, with
Anna Cinquino (Conesus, NY/Livonia),
Sage Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Strathmore) and
Kira Grzechowiak (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) each adding a goal. On the defensive end, Willick led with seven draw controls and five groundballs.
Anastacia Wells (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) added four-groundballs to the Bengals total, while
Mya Brown (Buffalo, NY/Frontier) led the Bengals with four caused turnovers. In net,
Brielle Lum (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) played a full-game, making 13 saves. As a team, the Bengals were outshot by the Lakers, 33-24, while winning the draw control battle 17 to 11.
In their regular season finale, the Buffalo State Bengals fell to Oswego State despite a hard-fought effort, ultimately dropping the home matchup. The Lakers controlled much of the game, building an early lead and outscoring the Bengals in a high-paced third quarter. The Bengals showed resilience late but couldn't close the gap. Despite the loss, the Bengals clinched their first SUNYAC Championship berth since 2018 and their first playoff appearance under Head Coach
Ashley Holdridge and Assistant Coach Bean Minerd.
Madison Davis and Mackenzie Winn led the Lakers with five points, with Julia Quirk leading with four goals. Alana Iacovissi picked up the win in net, making nine saves.
THE MATCHUP/HOW WE GOT HERE… Opening to their best SUNYAC start since 2009, the Bengals fell in their last four-matchups in SUNYAC play but solidified their position as the fifth seed in this season's SUNYAC Championships.
LAST TIME WE MET… The Buffalo State women's lacrosse team lost to the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons, 15-16, in overtime.
The Bengals suffered their first home loss of the season in a thrilling overtime battle against SUNY Oneonta. After building a strong early lead, the Bengals saw their advantage slip away as the Red Dragons mounted multiple comebacks, eventually forcing overtime. A Bengals turnover in the extra period led to the game-winning goal for the Red Dragons, handing the Bengals its second SUNYAC loss in a high-intensity showdown.
THE BENGAL BREAKDOWN… Finishing the regular season with a 11-6 (5-4 SUNYAC) record, the Bengals not only secured their first SUNYAC Championship berth since 2018 but also recorded their first winning season since 2012.
The Bengals took a major leap offensively, increasing their total goals from 174 last season to 255 this year. That improvement extended to the defensive end, where they held opponents to just 166 total goals, down from 214 a year ago. The hallmark season also featured record-tying performances, including 29 goals in a single game against Geneva College, and matching the program record for goals in a half twice, against Alfred State and Geneva.
LEADING THE CHARGE… Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) was a driving force behind the Bengals' breakout season. Following a strong 2024 campaign in which she led the team with 55 points and 47 goals, Willick delivered a stellar 2025 season, topping the Bengals again with 88 points and 69 goals. Her 69 goals rank third all-time in program history for most in a single season. Additionally, she shattered the program record for draw controls, collecting 135 and surpassing the previous mark of 103.
ART OF ASSISTS… While Willick rightfully garners the spotlight, senior
Sage Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Strathmore) has been an equally vital contributor to the Bengals' offensive surge. Making her first playoff appearance in a Buffalo State uniform, Running Rabbit is enjoying a career year. After posting 25 goals and 26 assists in 2024, she elevated her game in 2025, tallying 32 goals and 51 assists for 83 points—second only to Willick on the team.
DEFENSE GETS LOVE TOO… Defensively, newcomers
Dejah Evans-Murphy (Auburn, NY/Auburn) and
Syrianna Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Outreach) have helped solidify an already strong Bengals back line. Meanwhile,
Anastacia Wells (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) has cemented her legacy in program history. Entering the season as the program's all-time leader in caused turnovers with 95, she has since pushed that total to 130, and counting. Wells also claimed the top spot for career ground balls, now sitting at 157 and still rising.
A LOOK AT ONEONTA… The Red Dragons enter this first round matchup with a 7-9 (6-3 SUNYAC) record. After dropping their first four games of the season, the Red Dragons responded with a strong SUNYAC season, which included taking down the Bengals on their home field.
Cassidy Moore leads the Red Dragons with 78 points, including 50 goals and 28 assists. Lindsey Townes is second behind Moore in goals, tallying 46, while Elizabeth Doherty sits in second for points at 93, from 38 goals and 18 assists.
SCHEDULES/RESULTS…
#5 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS: 11-6 (5-4 SUNYAC)
#4 ONEONTA RED DRAGONS: 7-9 (6-3 SUNYAC)
