POTSDAM, N.Y. – Oswego Women's hockey returned to Maxcy Hall this afternoon to face off against the SUNY Potsdam Bears in the second competition of this weekend's two-game conference series. Unsatisfied with last night's mere 4-3 overtime win, the Lakers came out focused and ready to dominate. Another fast start by Oswego would allow them to control the puck and pace of play, ending the first period with a 1-0 lead. Hungry for more, the Lakers did not let up in the 2nd period, adding a second goal to the scoreline entering the final frame. Like last night, a penalty-riddled third period would test both teams, but Oswego managed to add a third unanswered goal to the tally, securing a 3-0 win and 2 more SUNYAC points over the SUNY Potsdam Bears. Your Lady Lakers' current 11-1-1 overall record moves them into the #3 spot in national rankings.  

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 3 (11-1-1, 8-1-1 SUNYAC)   

Potsdam 0 (5-7-1, 1-6-1 SUNYAC) 

Location: Maxcy Hall Ice Arena | Potsdam, N.Y.  

 
HOW IT HAPPENED  

Unsatisfied with how close last night's game came, the Lakers were excited and determined to pull out a third conference win against the Bears. Another fast start by Oswego would allow them to control the puck and pace of play for the opening minutes of the first period, but Potsdam did not lay down, returning a plethora of heavy shots on senior net minder Lexi Lexy. As the first got underway, both teams would trade possession, but neither could breakthrough, until Jenna Majewski found the stick of senior defenseman Rylee Preston offensive slot, where she would put it behind Maggie Parent with 12:56 left to play in the period. Similar to last night's matchup, tensions began to rise in the remaining minutes, but the Lakers managed to escape any penalties, heading into the second period with a 1-0 lead.  

Hungry for more, the Lakers did not let up in the beginning minutes of the 2nd period, testing Parent with a compilation of shots and passing plays. A series of solid puck battles and rushes by the Oswego defensemen would give the Lakers an offensive edge at both ends of the ice. Under increasing pressure, Potsdam would earn the first penalty of the game, awarding Oswego with a turn on the power play just over 5 minutes into the second frame. Although they were unable to generate a goal on their first advantage, the Lakers were much more connected than last night, holding the Bears in their zone for the entirety of the powerplay. Play returned to even-strength, but not for long, as senior Tessa Mucha would be sent to the box for holding at 10:42. Oswego maintained their 1-0 lead after a successful penalty kill, but graduate student Jayden Kelley wasted no time adding a 2nd goal to the tally, just 30 seconds after regaining full strength. The Lakers would earn a second powerplay in the final moments of the period, but they would have to settle for a 2-0 lead entering the final frame. 

A cross-checking penalty drawn by Lizzie Burke with 0:06 seconds left in the 2nd, would put Oswego on the penalty kill to start the third period. Undeterred, the Laker PK made it hard for Potsdam to gain consistent zone time, holding them scoreless. Despite dominating on faceoffs, the Bears struggled to beat out an energetic Oswego bench. Senior forward Ashlyn McGrath capitalized on a cross-crease pass from linemate Rachel Corbett, extending the Lakers' lead to 3-0 at the 6:44 mark. In the minutes following McGrath's goal, both teams would take turns in the penalty box but neither found the back of the net. As the game clock began to expire, Potsdam's head coach, Olivia Cook, pulled Maggie Parent in a last-ditch effort to edit the scoreline. Despite having an extra skater, Oswego managed to maintain possession, securing a 3-0 win and 2 more SUNYAC points over the SUNY Potsdam Bears. An impressive 34-save performance earned starting goalie Lexi Levy her 4th shutout of the season and your Lady Lakers' current 11-1-1 overall record moves them into the #3 spot in national rankings. 

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will have another quick turnaround, returning to action this Tuesday January 21st at 11:00 AM, against the No.4 ranked Amherst College Mammoths on Education Day in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena.  

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