Head coach Candice Moxley and the Buffalo State women’s hockey team continued their undefeated streak this weekend, defeating Neumann University on Friday and Saturday by scores of 4-2 and 3-1.

The Bengals took on an inferior opponent in the Neumann Knights, who came into the weekend at 0-4. Buffalo State, on the other hand, came into the double-header with a perfect 4-0 record.

The Knights, however, weren’t going to lie down. Heading into the third period of the Friday night matchup in Philadelphia, Buffalo State led 3-2 thanks to the continued high level of play from the line of Bri Carroll, Brooke Krantz and Christine Harris. Each forward on the Bengals top offensive unit tallied a goal and an assist.

The three linemates are three of the top four points leaders for the Bengals.

All four lines have done a good job of creating offensive opportunities. The shots on goal come with the success Buffalo State has had with puck possession. The Bengals have many fast, elusive forwards with talented puck-handling abilities.

Sophomore goaltender Justine Silva stopped 23 of 25 shots with a .920 save percentage. In five starts, Silva is allowing just one goal per game.

As for Neumann, Kelly Fox and Bek Lucas tallied a goal each. Goaltender Justina Mayr had 29 saves on 35 shots.

Moxley knows each point will be very important in the ECAC West race.

“Our conference is highly competitive and every night is a battle for us. Each point we get will help us in our standings at the end of the season.” Moxley said.

On Saturday, Buffalo State started off fast in the first period, tallying two goals. Bri Carroll struck first in the first period on the power play. It was the fourth goal of the weekend on the man advantage for Buffalo State.

Forward Erin Gehen scored the lone goal of the second period, her team-leading sixth of the year. Her seven points is second on the team.

The Knights scored their lone goal in the third period after Lauren Cusack scored her first of the season.

Saturday night represented a strong defensive outing for both teams. The Bengals generated only 19 shots on goal, but Silva stopped 19 of Neumann’s 20 shots.

Buffalo State also saw contributions on the offensive side from defender Vivi Vaattovaara. The captain had two assists, giving her three total on the season. She is tied for a team-high +6 on the year.

Vaattovaara believes the system that coach Moxley has in place has really come together so far this season.

“We have a fast team to begin with, and when everyone executes our systems, our opponents don’t even get a chance,” Vaattovaara said. “We had a lot of penalties this weekend but we did a great job killing them off for the most part, which is really going to count when we play against stronger teams.”

Forward Maddie Toczek scored the second goal of Saturday’s matchup against Neumann.

“From last year to this year, I think the biggest difference is that we have a lot more experience as a team going into the season,” Toczek said. “This year we all knew what we would be up against, so as a team we prepared accordingly.”

Moxley, even after the strong start, isn’t looking too far ahead.

“We’re taking our season one game at a time and making sure we’re doing the work necessary and playing the game the right way to insure the win,” Moxley said.

The Bengals hope to remain undefeated next week against Chatham at the Buffalo State Ice Arena. The “Gold Ribbon Game” will take place on Saturday afternoon and will benefit childhood cancer awareness.

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