After a long absence, the Lake Erie Cup will be returning to the Fredonia State Athletic Department. The cup goes to the winner of the Fredonia State-Buffalo State Battle by Lake the all-sports competition during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fredonia State earned a 17-11 victory this year.
"We are excited to have the Blue Devil Cup back on campus," said Interim Co-Athletic Director and Head Men's Soccer Coach P.J. Gondek. "The 2024-2025 athletic season was one of the best in recent memory. Here is to keeping the cup and to having another banner upcoming year in Fredonia State Athletics."
Buffalo State had held onto the cup since the conclusion of the 2017-2018 academic year. They won outright four times, there was a tie, and a season missed due to COVID. Prior to that, the Devils won the first four installments. The all-time series is now 5-4-1 in favor of the Blue and White.
Women's soccer and women's and men's cross country got things going in the fall with wins over the Bengals. Although it did not earn bonus points, the women's soccer team put an exclamation point on it with a 2-0 post-season victory over the Bengals in the SUNYAC Tournament.
In the winter, women's basketball swept the two-game series, and men's hockey and basketball each split their games with the local rival. Men's indoor track also won, while the Bengals claimed the women's side.
The men's hoopsters took down the Bengals 83-71 on Jan. 17. "To see the trophy return to Fredonia is a testament to our student-athletes," said Head Coach Sean Smiley. "It is a very exciting time to be a Blue Devil. Our athletes, coaches, and support staff are committed to continuing to Raise the Bar."
In the spring, the softball team split thanks to an exciting 1-0, eight-inning Blue Devil victory in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Both the women's and men's track teams would win for the outdoor season.
"It's a great rivalry," said Head Softball Coach Tony Ciccarello. "Players get a little more amped for this due to the distance and we are usually fighting for a good seed in the tournament with them." Both squads made the post-season tournament this past year.
The trophy was handed over without incident as the teams vowed to renew the Battle for the 2025-26 season.
