BUFFALO, NY--Melissa Jeckovich (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls) recorded a hat trick in the third period to propel Buffalo State (1-0) to a 3-1 win over visiting Concordia College (MN) (0-3) in non-conference action today at the Ice Arena.

After two scoreless periods, Jeckovich opened the scoring just three minutes into the third stanza off a pass from Katie Olejarski (Rockford, IL/Boylan Catholic). Buffalo State scored a power play goal at the 13:39 mark to take a 2-0 lead, but Concordia responded 44 seconds later to narrow the deficit. Buffalo State regained a two-goal lead when Jeckovich notched her third of the game just 38 seconds later to close out the scoring. Olejarski finished with two assists, while Julie Ruszala (Cheektowaga/Lancaster), Jessica Thieme (Roselle, IL/Lake Park) and Tonya Ford (Williamsville/Williamsville East) each notched one helper.

Buffalo State held a slim advantage in shots on goal, 25-23. Shannon Anesetti (Canonsburg, PA/Canon-McMillan) made 22 saves for Buffalo State, including a stop on a penalty shot in the second period.

Buffalo State will open ECAC West play next Saturday and Sunday when the Bengals host RIT for a pair of games at the Ice Arena.