Watch Dean's Goal Here

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Saturday afternoon was a historic day for the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (12-3-2, 5-1-1 SUNYAC). Freshman forward Lexi Dean (Schenectady, N.Y./Mohonasen) scored in the 99th minute to defeat Buffalo State (3-11-1, 0-7) 1-0. The goal launches the Bears into the SUNYAC Playoffs for the first time in the program's 31-year history. The victory was Potsdam's 12th of the season and fifth in conference play, both school records, and it was the Bears' first over the Bengals since 2001.
 
Buffalo State battled Potsdam evenly every step of the way. The Bears managed to get three of their six shots on goal, but Bengals goalie Nicole Torres kept them off the board. Potsdam freshman goalie Gabby Hobika (New Hartford, N.Y./New Hartford) was tested once, but the contest entered the break still scoreless.
 
Buffalo State created more pressure in the second half, outshooting the Bears 7-4, but Hobika shut them down. Potsdam managed three corner kicks in the final 45 minutes, but wasn't able to solve Torres.
 
The best chances of the afternoon occurred in overtime. Just 1:39 into the extra period, Malyssa Chanthasoto fired a shot off the crossbar. Two minutes later, Hobika stymied Kyndal Hetzel. The save marked a shift in momentum in overtime. At 94:31, Bears junior midfielder Brooke Falsion (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) hit the crossbar. Finally at the 98:49 mark, Dean flicked a perfect cross from junior midfielder Rylie Murray (Berkley, Mich./Berkeley) past Torres at the left side of the goal.
 
Hobika earned her fifth career victory and first shutout with five saves. Torres finished with four saves.
 
The Bengals outshot Potsdam 15-12, but the Bears had a 7-3 advantage in corners.
 
Now that Potsdam has clinched its first conference postseason berth, the Bears will focus on locking up a home playoff game when Geneseo and Brockport come to town next weekend. The Blue Knights arrive on Friday for a 3 p.m. contest and the Golden Eagles take to Maxcy Turf Field at 1 p.m. on Saturday.