BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey had a quick turnaround, returning to action against the Buffalo State Bengals in Buffalo, N.Y. After an unfortunate 1-goal loss yesterday, the Lakers were determined to split this weekend's conference play 1-1. Raring for two more SUNYAC points, the Lakers meant business off the opening puck drop. Despite a compilation of quality scoring chances generated by Oswego, both on the powerplay and in 5-on-5 play, the scoreline remained deadlocked 0-0, entering the final frame. Unsatisfied, the Lakers wasted no time, capitalizing on 3 scoring opportunities. Ultimately winning 3-0 over the Buffalo State Bengals, Oswego collected their first road win of the season, remaining No.2 in conference standings.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 3 (5-3-0, 2-1-0 SUNYAC)
Buffalo State 0 (4-4-0, 1-3-0 SUNYAC)
Location: Buffalo State Ice Arena | Buffalo, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
An excited start by Oswego would catch the Bengals off guard, earning a quality scoring chance off the opening faceoff. Settling in quickly, Buffalo matched the Lakers' energy with a handful of line rushes and forced turnovers of their own. Oswego's consistent, physical effort in corner battles would eventually pay off as Bengal Grace Zwolak would be charged for a slashing penalty, awarding the Lakers the first powerplay at the 11:54 mark. A series of connected passing plays by the Lakers set first year Lauren Ricobelli up nicely for a hefty wrist shot on the right side of the ice. But her attempt would unfortunately be rejected by the crossbar. In the following minutes, Oswego would earn another powerplay opportunity but were once again unable to capitalize as the initial buzzer sounded.
Resuming their advantage in the beginning seconds of the second period, the Lakers remained on offense as the Bengals returned to full-strength. 5-on-5 play would not last long, as Buffalo found themselves on another penalty kill in the following minutes. A third unsuccessful powerplay would begin to frustrate Oswego, but they did not allow that to dictate their play. As the clock began to tick down, junior Tilly Pethrick would find herself in the penalty box for tripping with just under 3 minutes to go. An eager Laker penalty kill unit would unfortunately do more harm than good, as first year Georgia Cunliffe accompanied Pethrick in the sin bin. Despite closing out the 2nd frame on a 5-on-3, Oswego came out unscathed, heading into the third still deadlocked 0-0.
Unsatisfied, the Lakers kept their foot on the gas, notching the first goal of the game just 5 minutes into the third period. On the next play, Kaydence Kemp was caught up for two consecutive penalties, giving Oswego a 4-minute powerplay opportunity, on which Lauren Riccobelli found the back of the net at the 12:34 mark. Regaining possession and offensive positioning on the next faceoff, sophomore Meagan Smith willed a third unanswered goal behind Bengal netminder Alexa Todd with a little over 3 minutes remaining, securing a 3-0 win over Buffalo State.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Women's Hockey will have a week off from competition, using the Thanksgiving break to rest and recover before returning to action against the Hamilton College Continentals on December 6th. Puck drop is set to commence at 3:00PM at the Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena. Go Lakers!
Written by Matilda Pethrick
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