OSWEGO, NY - The Lakers welcomed SUNYAC rival SUNY New Paltz to the Ziel for the first game of conference play. Oswego played their hearts out and their energy through and through helped them to a 3-0 victory over the Hawks who ended their season last year in the SUNYAC tournament.


BASICS 
Oswego 3 (12-3, 1-0 SUNYAC)
New Paltz 0 (8-8, 0-1 SUNYAC)
25-17, 25-19, 25-13 
Max Ziel Gymnasium | Oswego, NY 


HOW IT HAPPENED 
The energy coming into the home opener for SUNYAC play was absolutely electric. Priscilla McReynolds was the catalyst for the Laker success early on. She was responsible for 3 of Oswego's first 4 points. Oswego was out to an early lead and it was the Junior right side Gigi Basile that would help extend that advantage for the Lakers. She had 2 quick kills and the score was 14-6. After a New Paltz timeout, they regrouped and were able to slow down the fast-paced Lakers. They were led by Lexi Stragalas and New Paltz found themselves only down by 2 points. In the end, Kalley Vugteveen shut the door and shut the door hard, she went on a 4-point serving streak and the Lakers won set 1.

The second set started out much closer than the previous one. A lot of service pressure was the answer for the Hawks. Kim Braun for New Paltz had 3 straight aces and they led 8-5. Oswego responded with 3 straight kills by McReynolds, Gdovin and Bush to tie it back up. We sat at 8-8 before Kalley Vugteveen went on yet another service run. This time it was 5.  The Lakers now had a sizable lead. A balanced attack mixed with scrappy defense helped them close out this set, 25-19. 

Oswego came out on fire going on a 7 point run to kick off the 3rd set. After a sign of life from New Paltz, the Lakers went on another run. This time it was 4 and the Lakers found themselves up 11-1. Points were then traded with each team pitching in with good kills and focused, disciplined defense. The score was 15-7 before Oswego continued their 3rd set dominance by going on a 5 point run. Grace Gdovin had 2 kills on the run. Another kill by Gdovin and a couple errors on New Paltz ended the set 25-13. 

The Lakers swept the New Paltz Hawks in dominant fashion.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will hold Senior day tomorrow as they face off against the Red Dragons of Oneonta. Oneonta comes into the contest 11-6 and 1-0 in the SUNYAC. First serve is set for 1:00pm.

Written by: Luke Belanger