OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey returned to the Deborah F. Stanley Arena this afternoon to host the Nazareth College Golden Flyers in their final exhibition game before the official start of their 2025-26 season. Coming off an initial win against St. John Fisher, the Lakers felt confident and prepared heading into today's matchup, but an unlucky, early goal scored by Nazareth would take some wind out of their sails in the first period. Regaining their momentum in the second period, Oswego would dominate in the offensive zone, but the Flyers still managed to extend their lead to 2-0 in the final minutes of the second period.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 3 (0-0-0, 0-0-0 SUNYAC)
Nazareth 1 (0-0-0, 0-0-0 UCHC)
Location: Deborah F. Stanely Ice Arena | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A quick start by both teams would not leave much breathing room in the beginning minutes of the first period, but the Lakers would earn the first turn on offense. A handful of solid shots by Oswego would keep the Flyers in their zone, but a connected breakout by Nazareth would eventually allow them to find their legs in the neutral zone. An unlucky deflected puck thrown to the net by Nazareth, would make its way over the shoulder of starting goaltender Mia Devivo, improving the score to 1-0 just 4:25 into the first period. Working hard to level the score, the Lakers remained vigilant at both ends of the ice but were unable to contribute to the scoreline.
As the second period got underway, both teams settled back into the pace of play, but Nazareth would earn a prime powerplay opportunity at 2:29. A connected effort by the Laker penalty kill had no issue shutting down the Flyers' unit, returning to even-strength unscathed. In the following minutes, Oswego and Nazareth would trade possession, but neither would produce anything of quality, keeping the score stagnant at 1-0 until a hefty shot from Golden Flyer, Amy Laskowski, found the top right corner of the Lakers' net with less than a minute and a half remaining in the period.
Now trailing 2-0, Oswego continued to work for every possession and opportunity on net, but Nazareth's net minder Mia Gonsalves stood tall in net rejecting an early compilation of Oswego's shots. A quiet rest of the period would leave both teams vying for a goal in the final minutes. Back-to-back timeouts called by both head coaches, would leave the final possession in the hands of Oswego, but as the clock ticked down a consistent effort by Nazareth would secure their 2-0 win over the Lakers.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Women's Hockey will return to the Deb next Friday, October 31st when they host the Castleton University Spartans in their official home opener. Puck drop is set for 7:00PM. Go Lakers!
Written by Matilda Pethrick
@OswegoAthletics | FB: OswegoAthleticsOfficial | IG: oswegoathletics
