BUFFALO, N.Y.— Despite getting on the scoreboard first and battling with the No. 3-ranked team in the country, Buffalo State came up short as Elmira defeated the Bengals 3-1 in a conference matchup on Friday afternoon.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: No. 3 Elmira – 3, Buffalo St. – 1
LOCATION: Ice Arena – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State (15-5, 9-4 ECAC), Elmira (16-3-1, 11-2 ECAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams battled from the opening puck drop.
Christine Harris (Mountain Top, PA/Wyoming Seminary) put Buffalo State ahead 1-0 at 10:04 in the first period as the sophomore forward stole the puck off an Elmira skater and finished on a quick breakaway.
Just under seven minutes later, the Soaring Eagles tied things up with a breakaway goal of their own as Elmira scored a shorthanded goal on a Buffalo State power play.
Early in the second period, Erin Kishoni scored what was the eventual game-winner for the Soaring Eagles, sending a shot through a scramble in front of the net and in.
The rest of the second period and through the final period remained close, but the Bengals could not capitalize on a scoring opportunity.
In the final minute of play, Elmira sealed the win with an empty netter.
Harris led the Buffalo State offense with the lone Bengal goal and four shots.
Justine Silva (Baldwin Park, CA/Arroyo) recorded the loss between the pipes, finishing with 30 saves in 58:38.
FOR THE FOES
McKenna Farole, Erin Kishoni and Katie Granato each scored a goal for the Soaring Eagles, while Maddie Evangelous finished the game with seven shots on goal.
In net, Kelcey Crawford earned the win and finished with 21 saves in 60:00.
UP NEXT
Buffalo State will return to action at 3 p.m. tomorrow for another matchup against the nationally-ranked Soaring Eagles, this time on Elmira’s ice.
