OSWEGO, NY – The No. 5 Buffalo State women's lacrosse team left everything on the field, but their upset bid fell just short in a 15–14 semifinal thriller against No. 1 Oswego State, bringing their 2025 campaign to a close.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: #1 Oswego State– 15, #5 Buffalo State - 14
LOCATION: Laker Turf Stadium – Oswego, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 12-7 (5-4 SUNYAC), Oswego State: 14-2 (9-0 SUNYAC)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Sage Running Rabbit (Siksika, AB, Canada/Strathmore) led the Bengals with seven points, scoring four goals and adding three assists. Her three-assist effort moved her into fifth place all-time for most assists in a single season in Buffalo State women's lacrosse history. Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) powered the Bengals with five goals, surpassing 100 points for the 2025 season. She now sits tied for fourth in single-season points (with Karen Shaddock, 2011) and tied for second in single-season goals (with Katie Henderson, 2009).
• Outside of Running Rabbit and Willick, Lauren Rinow (Lakeview, NY/Frontier) tallied two goals, while Emilee Josker (Hamburg, NY/Frontier), Kira Grzechowiak (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) and Anna Cinquino (Conesus, NY/Livonia) each scored a goal in tonight's action.
• Defensively, Grzechowiak led with six draw controls, while Willick led the Bengals with three caused turnovers. In net, Brielle Lum (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) played a complete game, keeping the Bengals in this tight matchup, making eight-saves in net.  
• As a team, the Bengals were outshot by the Lakers 33-21, while losing the draw control battle 19-14.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After keeping their 2025 campaign alive with a gritty win over No. 4 SUNY Oneonta last weekend, the No. 5 Buffalo State Bengals looked to continue their postseason revenge tour, facing top-seeded Oswego State in the SUNYAC Championship semifinals. In the opening quarter, both teams showed a different energy than their previous meeting, with the Bengals slowing the pace to contain the high-powered Lakers offense. The strategy worked early, as the Bengals struck first midway through the quarter. However, the Lakers responded with two goals before the break to take a 2–1 lead into the second.
• The second quarter turned into a tactical chess match, with both sides adjusting their attacks. After the Bengals added two quick goals, the Lakers responded with a three-goal rally of their own to retake the lead. While Running Rabbit answered with back-to-back goals to tie the game, the Lakers would strike back late, giving the foe a narrow halftime lead by one goal.
• Coming out of halftime, the Bengals looked to regain control, finding the back of the net in the early minutes of the third. But the Lakers answered with a three-goal run to retake a firm lead. Despite a valiant defensive effort from the Bengals, the Lakers maintained the pressure and extended its lead to four with a 11–7 advantage heading into the fourth.
• Needing a major comeback to extend their season, the Bengals delivered their most inspired play in the final quarter. After trading early goals, Buffalo State exploded for six unanswered goals to seize a 14–12 lead with under four minutes remaining. But the top-seeded Lakers wouldn't go quietly, responding with back-to-back goals, including the game-tying score in the final minute. With 13 seconds left, Oswego earned a free-position opportunity and capitalized, netting the game-winning goal to escape with a 15–14 victory.
• Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Bengals' semifinal performance was a testament to their fight, resilience, and growth throughout a historic 2025 season.

FOR THE FOES

• Alexis Hill led the Lakers in goals with five, while Mackenzie Winn added four goals and an assist.
• Alana Iacovissi finished the night with four saves in net.