OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey hosted the Houghton University Highlanders this afternoon in a non-conference matchup. A slow start by the Highlanders would award the Lakers a 1-0 lead in both the first and second quarters. A commendable defensive effort by Oswego would keep Houghton at bay, until they managed to tie the game 1-1 in the opening minutes of the 3rd quarter. An exciting fourth quarter would send the game into overtime, tied 2-2. A nifty move and shot by senior Kate McNally would sneak into the back of Houghton's net, securing a 3-2 victory for the Lakers in overtime.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 3 (6-9, 1-2 SUNYAC)
Houghton 2 (8-7, 3-4 Empire 8)
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A solid passing sequence by Oswego off the starting center pass would allow junior Madi Stuckart to gain immediate access to Houghton's defensive zone. A reverse chip attempt by Stuckart would be denied and possession would be handed to the Highlanders. A quick transition up the field by Houghton would give them their first turn on offense. A range of shots from Houghton would test first year, SUNYAC Defensive Athlete of the Week, Sam Krautheim, but to no surprise, all would be shutout. In the following minutes, play evolved into a 50/50 battle in the midfield, with both teams fighting to gain headway. As the clock ticked down, an offensive surge by the Lakers would award sophomore Gabby Curtis the first goal of the match, assisted by Madi Stuckart, with just 28 seconds remaining.
Despite Oswego attaining a 1-0 lead in the final moments of the first, the Highlanders were unphased, gaining offensive possession on the opening play of the 2nd quarter. A connected effort by the Lakers helped keep Houghton out of their striking circle and regain possession of the ball. A few good offensive transitions by Oswego would generate a handful of quality scoring chances, but none would find the back of the net. The final 7 minutes of play would be controlled by the Highlanders, but an unwavering defensive performance from the Lakers would keep them at bay. Houghton managed to draw a penalty corner at the 0:13 mark of the second quarter but was unsuccessful, leaving Oswego with a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
A fiery 3rd quarter start by the Highlanders would catch the Lakers off guard, but they would respond accordingly, returning the ball to midfield. A determined Houghton squad would not take no for an answer, drawing a corner on the following offensive entry. Composed passing between opposing forwards Adria Hartzler and Lilyana Good, would generate a strong shot on net that would be tipped over the pad of Krautheim by Jace Hunzinger just over a minute into play. Oswego would be undisturbed by the tied scoreline, regaining a lead at the 9:05 mark on a penalty corner goal of their own, scored by senior Kaitlyn Jordan. As play got underway, an aggressive defensive effort by Oswego would award Houghton 4, back-to-back penalty corner opportunities in 2 minutes, but all would be rejected. The Lakers began to tire as the clock ticked down, but the Highlanders continued to push the pace. Houghton midfielder Deborah Cross tied the game up 2-2 with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter.
The opening minutes of the fourth quarter was physical with both teams putting their body on the line to break the 2-2 tie. Despite both teams having scoring and penalty corner opportunities the game would need to be decided in overtime. Oswego would find some jump early in OT, keeping the ball in Houghton's striking circle. A nifty move made by senior Kate McNally would allow her to squeak a low shot through the legs of Highlander goalie Annika Galen, securing a 3-2 win for the Lakers in overtime.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Field Hockey will have a few days to recover before returning to Laker Turf Stadium for a SUNYAC matchup against the SUNY Oneonta Hawks, this Saturday, October 26th at 4:00 PM.
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
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