The Buffalo State Bengals took a trip to Elmira to take on the No. 2 Soaring Eagles in the semifinal round of the ECAC West playoffs. It was a harsh ending to another magical season, as the Soaring Eagles soared came out on top in this one, eliminating the Bengals in a 6-0 thrashing.

The Bengals were able to keep up with the Soaring Eagles, but with about one minute left in the first period, defenseman Meg Lahey went out of position and circled around in the corner and wristed one towards the net past junior goaltender Justine Silva, lighting the red light. Meghan Fonfara was given the assist, which gave Elmira a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Early in the second period, Maddie Evangelous shot one wide of Silva’s net. She chased down her own rebound and gave it to Katie Granato. While this happened, Maddy Jerolman was left wide open in the slot, put her stick up to call for the puck as she glided towards the post. Granato was able to pass it to Jerolman, who wristed one past Silva for the 2-0 lead.

In the third period, the wheels fell off for the Bengals.

After six minutes, the Soaring Eagles were completing tape-to-tape passes while on the power play. Louisa Lippiatt Durnell was the one who capitalized on passes from Evangelous and Kristin Chivers to extend the lead to three. One minute and 12 seconds later, Evangelous and Granato were able to get another point as Evangelous found Silva’s five-hole and the lead grew to four.

With 5:15 left in the game, Lippiatt Durnell was able to get her second goal of the semifinal as she sent one past Silva who was too late to hug her post. Sarah Hughson and Shannon Strawinski were credited with assists. Lastly, Anna Tude was able to net the sixth one for her team while falling to the ice battling with a Bengal. Ari Smith and Fonfara were given assists on the sixth goal.

The Soaring Eagles outshot the Bengals 43-19 on Sunday afternoon.

This defeat marked the ends of the collegiate careers of seniors Hannah Tarr, Heather Neuburger and captain Viivi Vaattovaara.

The Bengals finish the season with a record of 17-8-2. For head coach Candice Moxley and crew, it’s time to take a quick break, continue the recruiting process and look forward to next season.

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