Gabby Irwin scored the first of Fredonia State's three unanswered goals (photo by Travis Bernhard).
Second-half goals by Makayla Stainbook and Bronwyn Madden lifted Fredonia State to a 3-1 victory over SUNY Buffalo State University in the second round of the SUNYAC Women's Soccer Tournament. The No. 3 Blue Devils (11-3-4) will travel to No. 2 Plattsburgh on Wednesday for a semifinal match.
Stainbrook broke a 1-1 tie when she converted a penalty kick in the 48th minute after teammate Gabby Irwin was fouled just inside the box. It was the second goal of the season for the senior defender, the third of her college career, and her second career game-winner.
Madden added the insurance goal on a set-up from Irwin with 5:30 remaining. It was Madden's team-leading 14th goal. That was a historic goal in the Fredonia State annals as Madden set a Blue Devils single season record for points (33) and tied the season record for goals while Irwin set a new season record for assists (14).
Madden's goal tied the school record of Reilly Condidorio (2011), who also held the season points record (32 in 2011). Irwin eclipsed the previous assists mark held by Jennifer Robinson (13 in 2000).
Alyssa Hatch was credited with six saves in the Fredonia State goal. Addy Williams made five stops for the Bengals
Twice in the first 25 minutes, Irwin received long through balls and got behind the defense for clear breakaways. Williams made a sliding stop on the first try in the third minute. Irwin hit the cross bar on the second attempt.
The Bengals took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when Olivia Kilmer gathered in a 50-50 ball at the top of box and fired a shot which Hatch deflected. The rebound went to Makenzie Below, who was trailing the play, and she wasted no time converting.
The Blue Devils drew even 1-1 with 2:17 left in the first half on a play which began in the defensive end. A Buffalo State free kick deflected off Abby Herbst and was gathered by Irwin, who raced to the opposite end, stepped around a defender, and scored her seventh goal of the season from 10 yards out.
