Geneva, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey hit the road this afternoon, traveling to Geneva, N.Y. to face off against a familiar foe and the newest addition to the SUNYAC, the William Smith Herons. Looking to continue their conference streak, the Lakers prepped for a physical back-and-forth battle. An evenly played first period would award Oswego with a handful of quality chances, but a consistent effort by William Smith would refute the Lakers, keeping the score tied 0-0. Determined to score first, both teams worked hard to create offense, until William Smith broke the seal in the middle minutes of the second period. The Herons managed to add a 2nd goal to the scoreline, but the Lakers did not relinquish contributing a tally of their own with 0:29 seconds left. Sparing no effort in the final seconds, the Lakers gave a little too little too late, falling 2-1 to the Herons at the buzzer. 

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 1 (4-3-0, 2-1-0 SUNYAC)  

William Smith 2 (4-1-0, 2-1-0 SUNYAC) 

Location: The Cooler Ice Arena | Geneva, N.Y.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

A fast start by both teams made it difficult for either team to get consistent zonetime in the opening minutes, but as the period got underway, the Lakers began to gain some momentum. A persistent net front presence by Oswego allowed them to generate a compilation of redirections and rebound opportunities, but none would evade the sights of Heron netminder Mia Iwicki. Continuing to control the pace of play, the Lakers did not let up heading into the second period.  

Another solid start by Oswego helped them fire a few early shots on Iwicki, but as the Herons settled back into play, they did not hesitate to apply heavy pressure on the forecheck and increase their physicality. In the following minutes, sophomore Shaye Jasiel would be charged with a hitting-from-behind penalty, giving William Smith the first advantage of the game at the 5:06 mark. A connected effort by the Lakers on the penalty kill would allow them to return to full-strength unscathed. But unfortunately, Lauren Riccobelli would also be sent to the box for a consecutive tripping penalty on the next play. Despite a handful of looks on the powerplay, the Herons were unable to capitalize, until Kelly Howe buried the first goal of the game in 5-on-5 play at 11:48. Struggling to regain their rhythm in the final minutes, the Lakers looked to notch an equalizer in the third period.  

Wasting no time, William Smith picked up right where they left off, forcing sophomore Mia Devivo to make a series of saves. Staying relentless on the forecheck, the Herons made it difficult for Oswego to break out of their zone and produce off their line rushes. Remaining consistent at both ends of the ice, Wiliam Smith was able to add a second goal to the score board at the 7:06 mark. Not ready to relinquish, Oswego kept shooting in hopes of contributing a point of their own, eventually finding the back of the net with 0:29 seconds left. Sparing no effort in the final seconds, the Lakers gave a little too little too late, falling 2-1 to the Herons at the buzzer.  

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will have a quick turnaround, heading to Buffalo, N.Y. for their second road contest of the weekend against the Buffalo State Bengals. Puck drop is set to commence at 3:00PM at the Buffalo State University Ice Arena. Go Lakers! 

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

@OswegoAthletics  | FB: OswegoAthleticsOfficial  | IG: oswegoathletics