BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo State women's lacrosse team will make its first NCAA Div. III tournament appearance in program history on Wednesday.

But the opportunity almost didn't happen.

The Bengals (13-6) lost to nationally-ranked Cortland in the SUNYAC championship game Saturday, failing to qualify for an automatic bid. But they got a second chance on Sunday when they found out they earned an at-large berth in the tournament.

"We're really, really excited. It's great for Buffalo State, but it's great for Buffalo, it's great for Western New York lacrosse, " said head coach Meg Stevens. "Our team has
worked hard, our players have worked hard. We're just really excited about it."

Adding to the excitement is the fact that the Bengals have a home game to open the tournament. Buff State will host Springfield College (11-7) on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Coyer Field.

"Having the home game was anything any of us could have asked for," said senior midfielder Brittany Nagowski (Lancaster H.S.). "We saw that we got the bid, we were excited. Then we heard that it was a home game and we all just started screaming. It was a good feeling."

The Bengals made history just making the NCAA Tournament. But they are not satisfied with what they have accomplished.

"A trip to NCAA's is a nice way to finish off our season, but I guess we're not done yet, " said senior attacker Kendyl Clarkson. "Got to win a few games first."

"We refuse to lose I guess, and we've kind of had that attitude," added Karen Shaddock, another senior attacker. "Especially this senior class, we don't like losing at all, so we'll do whatever we can."