Buffaloes Return to NCBS Championship Game with Semifinal Victory Over Paper City Oaks

For many collegiate all-star tournaments, the biggest challenge isn't talent—it's chemistry. With players coming together from different schools and programs, teams often have just a few days to build the cohesion needed to compete for a championship. That growth was on full display Friday night as the Buffaloes defeated the Paper City Oaks, 11-8, to advance to the National Collegiate Box Series Championship Game for the second consecutive season.

The Buffaloes and Paper City Oaks first met on the opening day of the tournament, with Buffalo earning a 14-11 victory in a game that never truly felt as close as the final score indicated. Just days later, both teams looked much different. After spending the week developing chemistry and settling into tournament play, the semifinal produced one of the most competitive contests of the championship.

Buffalo struck first, building a 3-1 advantage after the opening quarter before the Oaks responded with a strong second period to take a 6-5 lead into halftime. Defense took center stage in the third quarter as the Buffaloes scored the lone goal of the frame to even the score at 6-6 entering the final 12 minutes. The fourth quarter featured several momentum swings, with both teams trading goals early before Buffalo created separation late. Timely offense and a composed defensive effort allowed the Buffaloes to close out an 11-8 victory and secure their place in Saturday's championship game.

Daylin John turned in a dominant performance, recording two goals and four assists for a game-high six points. Ryan Voll added one goal and three assists, while Connor Vaughn finished with two goals and two assists as all three players recorded four or more points. Defensively, the Buffaloes executed their game plan against Paper City's high-powered offense, limiting tournament-leading scorer Zack Terry—who entered the game with 16 goals—to just one goal while forcing others to carry the offensive load. Terry added three assists for four points, while Stone Evans paced the Oaks with three goals and three assists.

With the victory, the Buffaloes have earned a return trip to the NCBS National Championship Game after falling just short of the title a year ago against the Dramingos. Awaiting them this time is a familiar foe. The Hawkeyes, longtime Thruway rivals from the former Upstate Collegiate Box Lacrosse League, advanced by defeating the defending champion Dramingos in Friday's second semifinal, setting up a winner-take-all championship showdown between two teams that know each other well.

The NCBS National Championship Game is scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday at Frank Ritter Arena, with both teams looking to cap an impressive week by bringing home the national title.