ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Oswego State men's lacrosse team began its season with a 6-5 loss to the Hartwick College Hawks on Wednesday afternoon. Oswego falls to 0-1, while the Hawks improve to 1-0.

Following a game-opening score by Hartwick's Wyatt Long just over three minutes into the game, the Lakers immediately answered back.

Oswego applied pressure, continuously battering the Hawks' goalie with shot after shot. Two goals from Jarrod Wilkom and a tally from Pat Kenneally gave the Lakers a 3-1 lead to end the first quarter. Following the outburst, Oswego's offense slowed, but the defense was able to keep the Hawks in check throughout the second period, allowing a single goal.

After the midgame break, Hartwick continued the momentum it had built up prior to halftime. The home team scored three more times in the stanza to hold a 5-3 lead heading into the final regulation period.

In the fourth, goals by Ryan Jelen and Tim Schof sandwiched another Hawk score, getting the Lakers within one at 6-5. Oswego was unable to fully climb back into the contest, suffering its first loss of the young season.

Wyatt Russo was tagged with the loss after starting in the goal for the Lakers and playing all 60 minutes. He allowed six goals, while registering nine saves.

Oswego returns to action at 4 p.m. on Friday as it hosts SUNY Poly for its home opener at Laker Turf Stadium.