Box Score

Eric Zerrahn scored 30 seconds into the second overtime to give the Oswego State men's lacrosse team a 7-6 win over Utica on Wednesday afternoon in Utica.  The Lakers controlled play in the first overtime period with seven shots, but were unable to notch the deciding goal until Zerrahn posted his second marker of the season.  Oswego State, which improved to 4-3 on the season, kicks off conference play against Plattsburgh Saturday at 1 p.m. in Oswego.  The loss dropped Utica to 1-6.

It was a seesaw battle during the first half, but the Lakers struck the first blow when Mark Briggs posted his sixth goal of the season early in the first quarter.  TJ Benson tied it with 5:53 on the clock, but Oswego State's Craig Martin tallied the final goal of the quarter one minute later.

The second stanza saw the squads trade goals until the Pioneers scored a pair of goals in the waning moments of the half and appeared to be heading into the break with a slim one-goal lead.  However, Britt Leone leveled the match with 29 seconds left in the quarter to make the score 4-4 at intermission.

Both teams struggled to maintain any offensive continuity as they combined to be whistled for 11 penalties during the third quarter.  Utica had several chances to gain a lead with eight man-up opportunities, but the Laker defense withstood the test and held the Pioneers scoreless during the frame and added a goal by Zac Hamilton.

Oswego State held a 5-4 lead heading into the last quarter, but Utica's Dan Duffy tied the match again with 11:19 to play.  Pat Decker registered his second goal of the game with 4:56 to play, and appeared to be the game-winner until Ben Winkler scored in the final minute to send the game into overtime.

The Lakers dominated overtime getting off seven shots, but Pioneer goalie Joe Davis made five of his 18 saves during the extra period to force the game into a second overtime.  Oswego State gained possession of the ball after Zerrahn picked up an important groundball after the opening face-off.  Briggs took the initial shot on Davis, which was stopped, but Zerrahn scored on the subsequent shot for the win.

The Lakers outshot their opponents, 45-27, but Utica gathered 30 groundballs compared to 15 for Oswego State.  Ian O'Brien picked up the win in goal by making seven saves.