OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey hosted the Ithaca College Bombers this evening in their second to last regular season competition before beginning their SUNYAC championship campaign. Despite a scoreless first half, Ithaca managed to control play throughout, keeping the Lakers on defense for the majority of the match. As play developed the Bombers' intensity quickly picked up and stayed up, exploiting Oswego off passing plays and through their arsenal of penalty corner plays. Despite a perseverant defensive effort by the Lakers, the absence of offensive momentum in would cost them a 5-0 loss to Ithaca.  

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 0 (6-11, 1-3 SUNYAC)  

Ithaca 5 (12-5, 6-1 Liberty League) 

Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

A solid starting center pass by the Lakers would give Oswego some momentum up the left sideline but it didn't take long for Ithaca to gain possession and generate a connected transition into Oswego's defensive zone. A few good drives by the Bombers would break into the Lakers' circle but would be cleared out momentarily. As Oswego kept Ithaca just inside their 25, some composed passing between the Bombers' midfield and defensive lines would allow them to maintain possession as the first quarter got underway. Around the 5-minute mark Ithaca had two promising scoring chances, testing first year goaltender Sam Krautheim with a nifty tip and drive from the top of the circle. As the clock ticked down the Bombers would earn three back-to-back penalty corner opportunities, but none would find the back of the net. Despite a strong offensive effort from both teams the scoreboard would stay tied 0-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.  

The Bombers would start the second quarter just as they finished the first, on offense. A handful of hungry Ithaca forwards wasted no time, gaining offensive possession and entry almost immediately. A hefty drive from Ithaca senior Julianna Valli would be tipped in front but recovered by Krautheim at 13:20. As the quarter got underway, the Bombers controlled the play and challenged the Lakers in their zone, but they would not waver on defense. A physical performance, from both green and white, in Oswego's circle would award Ithaca 5 corners in 3 minutes. Although getting some quality shots on net, Krautheim came up big with multiple clears and paddle saves. A nice drive off Ithaca's sixth corner attempt of the quarter would create a generous amount of chaos in front of the Laker net. Sophomore Audrey McMahon capitalized on the scrum, popping the ball over the shoulder of Krautheim and putting the Bombers on the board first with just 1:29 remaining on the clock.  

The brief intermission would give Oswego some time to reconvene, but a determined Ithaca squad continued to push the pace and earn quality offensive opportunities in the beginning minutes of the third quarter. Multiple substitutions were being made consistently by Oswego in an attempt to keep legs fresh, but Bomber strikers Mia Woodard and Brady Sullivan exploited a tired Laker defense, notching a second goal off a passing play at the 6:25 mark of the 3rd. Despite their growing lead, Ithaca did not let up adding a third goal to the tally with 0:28 seconds left on the clock.  

Another energetic start by the Bombers would keep Oswego on defense for much of the fourth quarter and allow them to continue to show off their arsenal of penalty corner plays. An impressive tip by Meara Bury on a powerful drive from Natalie Descalso found the top shelf of Oswego's net at the 13:35 mark. A corner attempt by Ithaca on the following play would result in a phantom fifth goal, which would be settled with a stroke attempt taken by Bomber senior Bella McCollister. A predictable lower left corner shot by McCollister would be recognized and rejected by Krautheim, but Ithaca would be undeterred, netting a 5th goal a few minutes later. A valiant effort by the Lakers would keep the Bombers at bay for the final minutes of play, but it wouldn't be enough to break their dominant 5-0 performance. 

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Field Hockey will cap off their regular season schedule this Saturday, November 2nd when they take a trip to Geneva, N.Y., where they will take on the William Smith Herons at 12:00 PM on Bowswell Field at David J. Urlick Stadium. 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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