BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo State women's lacrosse team overcame a tough challenge from the Nazareth University Golden Flyers, winning 9-6 in their home opener.

GAME BASICS

FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 9, Nazareth University - 6
LOCATION: Coyer Field – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 2-0 (0-0 SUNYAC), Nazareth University: 0-4 (0-0 Empire 8)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

• Vanessa Willick (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) led the Bengals in her season debut with five points, netting three goals and adding two assists. Kira Grzechowiak (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) found the back of the net twice in support of Willick.
• On defense, Grzechowiak led with six caused turnovers and seven groundballs. Mya Brown (Buffalo, NY/Frontier) forced four turnovers for the Bengals.
• In net, Brielle Lum (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) earned her second win with nine saves.
• The Bengals outshot the Golden Flyers, 17-15 and won the draw control battle, 11-8.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Making their home debut, the Bengals looked to continue their strong play as they hosted a non-conference matchup against the Nazareth University Golden Flyers.
• In the opening quarter of play, the Bengals would jump out on the Golden Flyers, netting three goals within the first five minutes of action. A goal from the Golden Flyers would slim the Bengals' lead, but a strong response in the remainder of the quarter would see the Bengals add three more goals, taking a 6-1 lead heading into the second quarter.
• In the second quarter, the Bengals would find themselves behind on a wave of momentum by the Golden Flyers, who'd respond strongly in the quarter by netting home three goals, while holding the Bengals to one goal in the quarter. A defensive battle throughout the remainder of the quarter, the Bengals would see the lead trimmed to only a three-goal advantage heading into halftime.
• In the third, the defensive battle between these two sides would continue, as a wave of turnovers dominated the midfield. As both sides would find chances to add onto their totals, neither side could find the back of the net, as a scoreless third quarter would create an intense fourth to decide a winner in this one.
• In the final quarter of play, the Bengals would net a goal early, taking a four-goal lead over the Golden Flyers. However, the Golden Flyers would respond with back-to-back goals, bringing this matchup to a two-goal game. With pressure mounting and the intensity levels higher, the Bengals would find the back of the net in the final minute, creating enough space to squeak by the Golden Flyers and picking up a 'W' in their home debut.

FOR THE FOES

• Grace Gardner led the Golden Flyers with four points, scoring three goals and adding an assist.
• In net, Allie Klestinec made eight saves for the Golden Flyers.

UP NEXT
The Bengals will look to continue their early season win streak when they return to Coyer Field this Saturday to host the Utica University Pioneers at 1:00 PM.