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BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Buffalo State women’s soccer team defeated the New Paltz Hawks, 3–1, in the SUNYAC Playoffs First Round, securing their first postseason victory since 2016.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 3, New Paltz – 1
LOCATION: Coyer Field – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 8-6-5 (5-2-3 SUNYAC), New Paltz: 7-4-6 (3-2-5 SUNYAC)
INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE
Olivia Kilmer (Hammondsport, NY/Avoca) had a day to remember, recording a hat trick against the Hawks. Her three-goal performance ties the SUNYAC conference record for most goals in a playoff game, as well as the most points in a single postseason contest. This is the Bengals first hat trick in the postseason since Mary Lund in 1984.
Assists on Kilmer’s goals came from Emily Maczka (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville North), Ryan Berman (River Edge, NJ/River Dell), and Kaylee Valentic (North Tonawanda, NY/North Tonawanda).
In goal, Addy Williams (Grapevine, TX/Grapevine) made five saves over 90 minutes of action to help secure the Bengals’ postseason win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling to Plattsburgh State on Senior Day, the Bengals had already secured their spot in the SUNYAC Playoffs, earning the right to host the No. 5 seed New Paltz Hawks in the first round.
The Bengals wasted no time making an impact, as Kilmer found the back of the net just two minutes into the match to stun the Hawks and give the Bengals an early 1–0 lead. The Hawks quickly pushed forward in search of the equalizer, but the Bengals capitalized on defensive lapses as Kilmer broke through again, scoring her second goal in the 11th minute. Behind a locked-in defensive unit and a strong first-half showing from Williams in net, the Bengals entered halftime with a commanding two-goal advantage.
In the second half, the Bengals looked to finish strong and clinch a playoff victory on their home turf, but the Hawks turned up the pressure and cut the deficit in half with a goal in the 69th minute. Refusing to let momentum swing, Kilmer answered back in spectacular fashion, securing her hat trick with a highlight-worthy strike in the 72nd minute to restore the two-goal cushion. That proved to be the dagger, as the Bengals held firm to seal the 3–1 win and advance to the SUNYAC Semifinals for the first time since 2016.
FOR THE FOES
Mia Baldinger scored the lone goal for the Hawks, with Laney Schmitz being credited with the assist.
Jess Centeri made the start in net, playing all 90 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Bengals advance to the SUNYAC Semifinals, traveling to Cortland to face the Red Dragons on November 5, with the game time to be announced.
