Spring Break Trip Has Ups, Downs
Florida State 10 – Buffalo 4 The Bulls came off a 24 hour bus trip to Tallahassee, FL to take on the #9 Florida State Seminoles in a non-conference battle on March 12. For the first 3 quarters, the game was a low-scoring affair, thanks in large part to the incredible play of Bulls senior goaltender Jason Reynolds (Iroquois), who made an astounding 48 saves. The first quarter was marred by two unallowed goals (one by each team) due to illegal stick penalties upon measurement after the goals were scored. At the end of the first, the score was an even 1-1. As Reynolds repeatedly robbed FSU shooters, the Bulls managed to head to halftime down one, with a score of 2-1. The third quarter was a grinding battle as each team mustered two goals, making the score 4-3 heading into the fourth. During the fourth, the Seminoles, who had 10 games under their belt, began to show their experience over the Bulls, who were playing their mere third game of the season. FSU dominated the final quarter and left the field victorious. Buffalo was led by junior attackman Ryan Eastman (Hilton), who scored a goal an added an assist. Also with goals were: senior Ryan Mierzwa (Lancaster), sophomore Erik Tinti (Auburn) and senior Sean Kelly (Harrison). Nick Edson (Amherst), Andy Evans(Twin Forks) and Ryan Kelly (Harrison) had assists. The Seminoles were led by Corey Noonan and Todd Matherly, who had four points each. Buffalo 10 – Clemson 4 After a few days relaxing in the sun, the Bulls got back to action against the Clemson Tigers on March 15. The game was a triumphant rebound for Buffalo, who were hungry for a win after their tough loss three days prior. The Bulls took quick control of the game and never relinquished it. Among the things coach Ryan Crawford was most proud of about the game was that it was the first time he felt the Bulls put together a solid four quarters of play. The Bulls spiked their play in the second quarter after a 1-1 end to the first to score five goals and head into halftime with a 6-3 lead. They added to their lead with three goals in the third and one in the fourth. Senior leader Ryan Mierzwa (Lancaster) led all scorers with two goals and one assist and junior midfielder Tim Lowden (North Tonawanda) got his first taste of the mesh in a two goal performance. Brian Loeffler (Islip), Matt Wachler (Syosset), Erik Tinti (Auburn), Sean Kelly (Harrison), Ryan Eastman (Hilton), and Mike Terranova (Fayetteville-Manlius) all had goals and Matt Beres (Kendall) added an assist. Virginia Tech 10 – Buffalo 9 (OT) The Bulls were afforded a few more days rest as the scheduled game against N.C. State was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. They traveled to Blacksburg, VA to take on the #19 Virginia Tech Hokies on March 18. The game was filled with messy ground ball battles due to a muddy field and cold temperatures. The first half was sloppy in general, in reference to both the field and the play, especially by the Bulls, who couldn’t seem to get comfortable. Virginia Tech outplayed Buffalo to a 5-3 score at halftime. It took two more goals by the Hokies for the Bulls to wake up and put on a remarkable comeback in the third quarter. Down 7-3 at one point, they went on a scoring spree, tying the game at eight by the end of the third. The fourth quarter produced one goal for each team as a spirited and inspired Buffalo team began to show their potential. After regulation, the score was an even 9-9. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the overtime was short-lived, as the Hokies won the faceoff and scored on their first shot of OT. While disappointed at the loss, the Bulls held their heads high. Sophomore attackman Brian Loeffler (Islip) seemed to return to form in a four goal and six point performance. Senior Ryan Mierzwa (Lancaster) continued his consistent and solid play with three goals. Sophomore midfielder Erik Tinti (Auburn) added a goal and assist to extend his point streak to four games. Freshman midfielder Nick Edson (Amherst) scored and Ryan Eastman (Hilton) had an assist. The offense was also helped by defensive players Ryan Kelly (Harrison) and Justin Bader (Suffern) who each broke over the midfield line and recorded assists in the heartbreaker. -Tim Lowden
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The Bulls came back from their Spring Break four game away trip with one win, two hard-fought losses and one cancelled game. While a 1-2 trip was below expectations, the Bulls turned some heads in the MCLA with their strong play against two top 25 teams.Copyright 2025 - Buffalo Lacrosse | Website by LaxTeams.net