BUFFALO, N.Y.-A goal in the final two minutes of regulation allowed the Buffalo State Bengals to slip past William Smith 4-3 this afternoon. The Herons are now 8-3-3 as they get ready to return to UCHC play this weekend.
 
Emma Ruggiero recorded a game-high three points (1g, 2a) for Buffalo State (8-6-1) while Caitie Horvatits scored twice, including the game-winner. William Smith was led by junior Stephanie Hampton who had a pair of assists.
 
Junior Maura Mulligan opened the scoring at 9:01 of the first period with a 4-on-3 power-play goal. She wristed a shot past Justine Silva from the right faceoff circle. Hampton and junior Laura Rollins were credited with assists on Mulligan's third goal of the season.
 
The Bengals tied the game 1-1 five minutes later with a power-play goal of their own. Ruggiero pocketed her sixth goal of the seasons with assists from Christine Harris and Madeline Kromer. 
 
The Herons finished the opening period with a 12-9 advantage in shots on goal. The back and forth action was hampered by eight combined penalties that were called in the first 20 minutes, four for each team.
 
Erin Gehen gave Buffalo State a 2-1 lead with a shorthanded goal that came 77 seconds into second period. Her eighth goal of the season was assisted by Ruggiero.
 
First-year Jules Kennedy tied the game 2-2 with her fourth goal of the year 56 seconds later. Kennedy redirected a centering pass from senior Catherine Linehan through Silva's legs and across the goal line.
 
The Bengals regained the lead on Horvatits' first goal of the game. Bri Carroll and Ruggiero were credited with assists on the goal.
 
Senior Krista Federow tied the game at 3-3 with her seventh goal of the season. Sophomore Gina Scibetta and Hampton were credited assists on the goal. Federow collected a loose puck in the slot and flipped it over a diving Silva. Federow and Scibetta are tied for the team lead with seven goals.
 
Horvatits pocketed the game-winning goal with just under two minutes remaining in regulation. She tucked a shot inside the right post from deep in the offensive zone. Carroll and Georgia Kleiner were credited with assists on the goal. 
 
The Herons pulled their goalie for the extra attacker for the final 90 seconds of the game but could not find the equalizer.
 
Senior Maggie Salmon got the start in goal for the Herons and made four saves in the first 9:01 of the game. First-year Olivia Williams came on in relief and made 24 saves. Silva made 31 stops for Buffalo State.
 
William Smith finished the game with a slight 34-32 edge in shots on goal. Both teams scored a power-play goal. The Bengals were 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Herons were 1-for-9 with the extra skater.
 
William Smith returns to action this weekend, Jan. 13-14, when it welcomes Lebanon Valley to The Cooler for a weekend series. This will be the Dutchmen's first trip to The Cooler.