PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State women's soccer team had their hands full hosting the No. 23 ranked Buffalo State Bengals on Friday afternoon at the Field House Soccer Complex.
 
The Cardinals, looking to take down the top ranked team in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), fell short of their goal in the 2-0 decision.
 
Buffalo State's Catherine Mammoser tallied the first goal in the 23' minute when a ball was played through the Cardinal defense, and became a foot race against charging Cardinal goalie Nichole Gibson (Arkport, N.Y./Arkport). Gibson slid and collided with Mammoser just outside the 18-yard box, just to have the ball take an unfortunate bounce in favor of the Bengals. Mammoser essentially was able to continue her run, and sent a left footed shot into the wide open Cardinal net for the score.
 
The Cardinals battled, but found themselves down 1-0 at halftime.
 
In the second half, more back and forth play continued, with the Bengals looking to find an insurance goal, and the Cardinals trying to find the equalizer.
 
It was a very physical game, both teams trading jabs, more so the Bengals who used the play to their advantage.
 
The Bengals eventually broke down the Cardinal defense and found the second goal of the game. Melissa Smith collected the ball in the center of the 18-yard box, and was able to beat a diving Gibson for the 85' goal that pretty much sealed the deal.
 
The Cardinals now have an overall record of 9-6, and a conference record of 4-2. The team will regroup tonight, and welcome the Fredonia State Blue Devils on Saturday at 1 p.m.