UTICA, NY--Buffalo State (11-3/2-0) opened its SUNYAC slate with a pair of shutout victories over host SUNYIT today, winning the opener 1-0 in nine innings, and claiming the nightcap 7-0.

Buffalo State belted 10 hits in the first game, but needed extra innings to plate the game's only run. Freshman Jolene Banach (Cheektowaga/Maryvale) doubled to score Laurie Hutten (Tonawanda/Kenmore West) in the top of the ninth and Aimee Fisher (Hamburg/Frontier) retired the Wildcats in order to end the game. Fisher cruised to the win, allowing just a single hit in the eighth inning and striking out 11 for her sixth win of the season. Banach finished 2 for 4 at the plate, and Hutten and Fisher both went 2 for 5.

In the second game, the Bengals made the most of their nine hits, scoring seven runs. Banach continued to pace the offense, going 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Hutten was 2 for 4 with a triple, and Lindsey Matheis (Hamburg/Williamsville South) was 2 for 3 with a triple. Nicole Sabuda (Orchard Park/Orchard Park) earned the win on the mound, scattering four hits, while fanning nine.

Buffalo State will travel to Brockport for a doubleheader on Tuesday.