TROY, NY - The Western Connecticut State University women's soccer team evened its record at 1-1 after defeating Buffalo State, 3-2, in the second day's action at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

The Colonials fell behind early following a goal by the Bengals' Claire Dyal in the 10th minute, but did not trail for long.  Just 51 seconds later, Bailey McCollum (Cold Springs, NY) scored an unassisted goal with 10 minutes elapsed.

With 8:17 remaining in the first half, senior midfielder Lucy Daniels (Bethel, CT) gave WestConn a 2-1 lead after pelting the onion bag with her first marker of the season.

Following intermission, freshman striker Kaleigh Panek (Shelton, CT) scored what began as an insurance goal and later proved to be the game-winner.  She was set up by a sharp pass from senior forward Allison Oakley (Beekman, NY) with 38:59 still remaining in the contest.

"We played extremely well against an experience side today," stated WestConn head coach Alex Harrison.  "Our veterans brought us back from an early deficit and it was a freshman, Kaleigh (Panek) that put away the game-winner for us.  As a team, they discovered what is going to take to be successful this season.

Buffalo State made it interesting after Emma Boccolucci finished off a pass from Alexis Hanson at the 62:19 mark.

WestConn keeper Alexis Lainchbury (Hopewell Junction, NY) earned the victory between the pipes on Saturday.  She made three saves and withstood 15 shots by the Bengals.

Taylor Carillo made a pair of saves for Buffalo State.

The Colonials continue their early-season road swing on Wednesday, September 5 when they travel to Middletown, CT to take on Wesleyan University.  Game time against the Cardinals is set for 5 pm.

Buffalo State returns to its home pitch, Coyer Field, on Wednesday, September 5 as it takes on Utica in non-conference action.