Oswego NY – The Oswego State women's basketball team showed grit and fourth-quarter urgency in its season opener at Max Ziel Gymnasium, but a late push wasn't enough as the Lakers fell 65–58 to visiting St. Lawrence on Tuesday evening.

The Basics
Oswego 58 (0-1, 0-0 SUNYAC)
St Lawrence 65 (2-0, 0-0 Liberty)
Location: Max Ziel Gymnasium / SUNY Oswego / Oswego, NY
 
How It Happened


Oswego's offense was anchored by an outstanding performance from Giavanna White-Principio, who dominated inside with 24 points and 17 rebounds while shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 10-of-11 at the line. Her presence in the paint kept the Lakers competitive throughout, especially during a fourth-quarter surge in which Oswego outscored the Saints 20–15.

Sophomore Sydney Hoefs added a double-double of her own with 10 points and 10 rebounds, knocking down an early three and contributing key second-chance opportunities. Bri Weaver provided an important lift off the bench with 7 points, and Zhane Holmes and Sarah Hirschler combined for solid defensive energy, including timely steals that helped fuel Oswego's late run

After trailing 36–30 at halftime, the Lakers struggled to find rhythm in the third quarter, scoring just eight points while St. Lawrence's perimeter shooting created separation. However, Oswego refused to fold, storming into the final frame with renewed energy. White-Principio scored repeatedly through contact, Hoefs buried a jumper to cut into the gap, and Holmes added a clutch three with 43 seconds left to make it a two-possession game. But St. Lawrence closed the door at the free-throw line, converting their final chances to seal the win.

What's Next
The Lakers will head to a tournament this weekend hosted by Hamilton College starting this Friday when they take on St John. Fisher at 5:00 PM.