BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Neumann University Women's Hockey team opened the 2023-2024 campaign with a 4-2 non-conference loss at the hands of the Buffalo State University Bengals on Friday afternoon.
 
The Bengals got on the board just 25 seconds into the game on a shot that caromed in from behind the net. By the two-minute mark, they doubled their advantage on a sharp-angle try. Four minutes later, a backhander snuck over the line and Buffalo State led by three.
 
After those opening day jitters, Neumann settled down and started to assert themselves in the game. At the 9:49 mark, Jamiyah Alexander deposited a rebound after a Lian Sydorowicz shot, getting the Knights on the board to pull within one. Marissa Rumsey earned the secondary assist for her first collegiate point.
 
38 seconds into the second period, Jamiyah Alexander streaked into the zone and fired a wrister over the Bengals' goalie for her second of the game, pulling the Knights within one. Gia Santorello grabbed an assist on the goal. Buffalo State would step up from there, controlling most of the rest of the period.
 
The Bengals would continue to stifle the Knights, keeping the puck in the Neumann zone for the majority of the third, and outshooting them by a healthy margin. Buffalo State would double their lead with 1:52 left in regulation to seal the win.
 
In addition to her two goals, Alexander led the Knights with five shots on goal, and did Sydorowicz. Georgia Wunder and Gabby Massa would each contribute two shots on goal. Ceclia Mick helped defensively with three blocked shots. Michelle Winand-Bacon made 36 saves to give Neumann a chance at the comeback.
 
Neumann (0-1) will be back in action tomorrow afternoon, hoping for a split of this weekend's two-game set against the Buffalo State Bengals. The game is scheduled for a 12:00 PM start.