UTICA, NY--Buffalo State (7-13-1/5-7) played well for the second-consecutive day, but again fell short against No. 8-ranked Utica (14-4-3/6-2-2), dropping a 2-1 decision at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

After two scoreless periods, the Pioneers finally opened the scoring, capitalizing on a two-player advantage 6:43 into the final frame. Buffalo State answered just over five minutes later with an unassisted goal by Mary Cohen (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer), her second in as many games. Utica pulled back in front just 1:13 later, however, and held on for the narrow victory.

Shannon Anesetti (Canonsburg/Canon-McMillan) made 39 saves to give the Bengals a chance, as Utica outshot Buffalo State, 41-18.

With the loss, the Bengals were officially eliminated from the ECAC West playoff hunt. Buffalo State will wrap up its regular season schedule next weekend when it will host No. 4 Elmira for a two-game set.