PLATTSBURGH, NY—Buffalo State (27-14) survived a pair of elimination games in double-elimination SUNYAC Championships at Plattsburgh today, defeating the host Cardinals (30-12), 2-1, and eliminating New Paltz (25-18) with a 7-1 victory.

The Bengals reversed their fortunes from yesterday in the first game, making the most of just four hits in the victory. Top-seeded Plattsburgh looked to continue its 17-game winning streak, but Buffalo State right fielder Courtney Keleher (Tonawanda/ Kenmore West) robbed a would-be two-run homer in the first inning with a catch at the fence. The Cardinals did plate the game’s first run on a pair of hits in the second, but the Bengals took the lead for good in the fourth, converting a walk, a hit and an error into two runs. Christina Tschari (Clarence/ Clarence) was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI, and Arielle Austin (Smithtown/ Smithtown West) was also 1 for 3 with a double. Jolene Banach (Cheektowaga/ Maryvale) was 1 for 1 with a run scored, and Heather Re (Lindenhurst/ Lindenhurst) added a pinch-hit double. Jenna Frieling (E. Amherst/ Williamsville North) surrendered her first run in more than 21 innings, but earned the win, scattering five hits.

Buffalo State cruised to victory in the late game, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, and belting 12 hits for the game. Jordan Banach (Cheektowaga/ Maryvale) led the Bengals, going 3 for 4 with a homerun and three RBIs. Jessica Mooney (Tonawanda/ Kenmore West) went 2 for 2 with a double and an RBI. Jolene Banach was 2 for 4 with and RBI, and Keleher was also 2 for 4. Frieling earned her second win of the day, allowing just seven hits.

Buffalo State will play tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the semifinals against either Brockport or Cortland.