rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Story Links
SUNYAC CHAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINALS – #4 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS AT #1 CORTLAND RED DRAGONS
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 4:00 PM
T. Fred Holloway Field – Cortland, NY
FOLLOW ALONG…
LIVE STATS
VIDEO (OFFICIAL SUNYAC BROADCAST)
LAST TIME OUT… The Buffalo State women’s soccer team defeated the New Paltz Hawks, 3–1, in the first round of the SUNYAC Playoffs, securing its first postseason victory since 2016.
THE MATCHUP… For the first time since 2016, the Buffalo State women’s soccer team has advanced to the SUNYAC semifinals following its first-round victory over the No. 5 seed, New Paltz Hawks. After earning their first win since October 15, the Bengals now face the top-seeded Cortland Red Dragons with a chance to reach the SUNYAC Championship game for the first time since 2016.
This matchup marks the 38th all-time meeting between the two programs and the second this season. The Bengals look to snap their winless streak against Cortland, which dates back to 2017. Their best recent result came in 2023, when the teams played to a 0–0 draw. Since 2015, Buffalo State holds a 2-7-1 record against Cortland and a 6-28-3 all-time mark since the series began in 1990.
The Bengals are making their fifth SUNYAC semifinal appearance in program history. The last time came during the 2016 season, when Buffalo State defeated Plattsburgh State in the semifinals and went on to capture the SUNYAC Championship with a win over SUNY Geneseo.
Meanwhile, the Red Dragons return to host their fifth consecutive SUNYAC semifinal, a stretch that includes last year’s home victory over SUNY Oneonta before falling to New Paltz in the championship game.
The winner of Wednesday’s semifinal will advance to the SUNYAC Championship, where they will face the winner of the Fredonia–Plattsburgh matchup. The SUNYAC Championship game is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, at 1:00 p.m.
LAST TIME WE MET… In this season’s past matchup with the Red Dragons, the Bengals fell in a hard-fought matchup, 2-0. Gwen Jarosz (North Tonawanda, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) led the Bengals with two shots on goal. Emily Maczka (Buffalo, NY/Williamsville North), Scarlett Chambers (Dayton, OH/Butler), and Willa Overton (Watertown, NY/Watertown) were all credited with a shot on goal in today’s contest. In goal, Addy Williams (Grapevine, TX/Grapevine) led with four saves, while Taylor Clisson (Syracuse, NY/Solvay) also saw time between the net making a save.
Early in the first half, the Bengals generated several strong offensive chances, applying pressure to the Red Dragons’ backline. However, the Red Dragons capitalized on a counterattack in the 33rd minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Bengals’ defense settled in from there, holding firm and keeping the Red Dragons off the board for the remainder of the half, heading into the break trailing by one.
In the second half, the Bengals continued to push for the equalizer, creating opportunities through sustained midfield play. Despite their efforts, the Red Dragons struck again in the 54th minute to extend their lead to two. The Bengals continued to battle until the final whistle, but the Red Dragons held on for the win, handing the Bengals their first SUNYAC loss of the season.
THE BENGAL BREAKDOWN… At 8-6-5 overall (4-2-3 SUNYAC), the Bengals enter the semifinal matchup with a sense of revenge, as the Cortland Red Dragons handed the Bengals its first SUNYAC loss of the 2025 season.
HAVE A DAY… Sophomore forward Olivia Kilmer (Hammondsport, N.Y./Avoca) recorded a hat trick in the Bengals’ first-round matchup against New Paltz. Her three-goal performance tied the SUNYAC record for most goals in a postseason game, as well as the mark for most points in a single playoff contest. Kilmer’s feat also marked the Bengals’ first postseason hat trick since Mary Lund accomplished the milestone in 1984.
RESEARCHING THE RED DRAGONS… No. 1 Cortland Red Dragons will host their fifth consecutive SUNYAC semifinal matchup, returning to the stage after defeating SUNY Oneonta in last year’s semifinals before falling to New Paltz in the championship game.
The Red Dragons closed the regular season with a 12-2-4 overall record (8-0-1 SUNYAC), scoring 32 total goals, 20 of which came in conference play, while conceding just seven goals all season, and none against SUNYAC opponents.
Offensively, Tyla Vuotto led Cortland with 18 points (seven goals, four assists), followed by Gianna Cirilla with 15 points (seven goals, one assist). In goal, Olivia Rouse started all 17 games, posting a .923 save percentage and allowing just five goals.
With a win over the Bengals, the Red Dragons would advance to the SUNYAC Championship for the second straight year, with their sights set on returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023.
Coaches Corner… Head coach Victoria Caruso shared her thoughts ahead of their SUNYAC semifinal matchup: “In August, our number one goal was to find our way back to the postseason. This time around, we wanted to be home for the first round — and we achieved that. It’s a testament to all the hard work, sacrifice, and desire this group has displayed that we’re in the position we’re in. In the SUNYAC, we know that to make it to the championship game, you have to go through Cortland, so we’re embracing that challenge and looking forward to it.”
SCHEDULES/RESULTS…
#1 CORTLAND RED DRAGONS: 12-2-4 (8-0-1 SUNYAC)
#4 BUFFALO STATE BENGALS: 8-6-5 (4-2-3 SUNYAC)
