BUFFALO, N.Y— Lila Toczek (Pendleton, NY/Starpoint) celebrated senior day with a pair of goals including the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining to pace Buffalo State to a 4-2 victory over visiting Cortland in today’s season finale.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 4, Cortland – 2
LOCATION: Ice Arena – Buffalo, N.Y.
RECORDS: Buffalo State (6-18/4-14), Cortland (14-9-2/7-9-2)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Angelina Cruzal (Campbell, CA/Westmont) and Kira Herkey (Cheektowaga, NY/Cheektowaga) had a goal and an assist each for the Bengals, and Jessica Carter (Scottsdale, AZ/Brightmont Acad.) had two assists.
Toczek opened the scoring with a one-timer off a feed from Carter behind the net just 2:18 into the contest, while Natasha Steinle (Morrison, CO/CIHA) drew the second assist.
Cortland evened the score with the only goal of the season period and then took its first lead of the game four minutes into the final frame.
Cruzal answered with her third of the year off a pass from Herkey after a defensive zone turnover by the Red Dragons to even the score with 11 minutes remaining.
Toczek potted her second of the game and seventh of the season with a bar down shot with an assist from Carter with 2:18 remaining, and the Herkey sealed the win with her first goal as a Bengal into the empty net with 50 seconds left.
Bri Gawronski (Dunkirk, NY/Mt. Mercy) finished with 22 saves as shots on goal finished 24-22 in favor of Cortland.
NOTEWORTHY
Steinle closed out her career in sole possession of 10th on the Bengals’ all-time scoring list with 53 career points on 32 goals and 21 assists in 91 games.
Toczek finished tied for 11th with 52 career points, including 23 goals and 29 assists in 100 games.
Buffalo State honored its four seniors following the game, recognizing Steinle, Toczek, Carter and Cheyenne Matson (Wasilla, AK/Matsu Career & Tech).
FOR THE FOES
Amanda Gaffney and Emily King scored for Cortland.
Chelsea Allain finished with 18 saves.
