Heading into Tuesday's Mid-American Conference playoff matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos (11-7-1, 8-4-0 MAC) the Bulls knew they were going to have a tough road ahead of them.
The third-seeded Broncos had won their last six games in a row, and WMU had also beaten the Bulls in their first meeting this season 2-1 back on September 12.
Sixth-seeded Buffalo, however, couldn't have expected WMU to come out playing the way they did on Tuesday.
Western Michigan scored early and often, as they beat the Bulls 3-0 in Kalamazoo to advance to the MAC semifinals.
The Broncos started the scoring early, as Jessica Pattison gave WMU the only goal they would need just five minutes into the game.
In the 57th minute, Chelsea McNally added an insurance goal, which gave the Broncos a 2-0 lead. Pattison added another goal in the 77th minute that put the game completely out of reach for UB.
It was Broncos goalie Kate Perz who was the story of the game, making six saves to earn the shutout. Buffalo out shot WMU, 10-8, but couldn't capitalize on any of their chances.
"The seniors played hard and provided the necessary leadership; it just wasn't in the cards for us today," said Bulls head coach Jean-A Tassy. "We had some great opportunities, but we just couldn't take advantage of them."
Natalia Crofut, Jenny Dannecker, Emily Russell and Lauren West each tallied two shots for UB.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Buffalo enjoyed another successful season. The Bulls, who have never had a losing record since joining the MAC, finished the season with an 11-8-1 record. It was also the fourth time that UB has posted double digit wins since joining the MAC six years ago.
"Overall the season went well," said Tassy. "I think that not being able to beat the teams at the beginning of the year haunted us at the end. However, the losses were close and we should not be ashamed."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
