OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey returned to Deborah F. Stanley Arena this evening to face off against the Utica University Pioneers in the home leg of this weekend's two-game series. Coming off a successful week of practice, the Lakers came into today's matchup feeling prepared and looking for another win. An excited start by Oswego would start them on a forward foot, but despite their dominance, they were unable to find the back of the net. Determined to tilt the ice in their favor, Utica put their foot on the gas, but both teams struggled to stay out of the penalty box. Oswego's third advantage would finally produce a goal, giving them a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame. Not letting up, the Lakers improved their lead to 2-0 just minutes into the third. First year Georgia Cunliffe would have the last laugh, notching a short-handed goal with 0:42 seconds left, securing a 3-0 shutout win over the Pioneers.  

THE BASICS  
Final Score:  

Oswego 3 (2-1-0, 0-0-0 SUNYAC)   

Utica 0 (0-2-0, 0-0-0 UCHC) 

Location: Deborah F. Stanely Ice Arena | Oswego, N.Y.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

A hot start by the Lakers would allow them to gain offensive momentum and positioning in the early minutes, wasting no time getting shots on opposing netminder Katherine Sheahan. A physical effort by sophomore Elizabeth Cooley would land her in the penalty box at 7:13, giving the Pioneers the first powerplay attempt of the game. As play returned to even-strength, Oswego would earn an advantage of their own at the 9:33 mark, but the score remained 0-0. The Lakers continued to dominate the latter half of the first period, keeping heavy pressure on Utica at both ends of the ice, but their scoring reign would have to wait until the second period.  

After spending much of the first frame on defense, Utica was determined to tilt the ice in their favor, battering sophomore goaltender Mia Devivo with a compilation of shots in the first minute of the second period. While desperate to maintain possession, Pioneer Maya Jerome would be charged with a cross-checking penalty at 7:37. Despite a handful of solid chances on the net, the Lakers were once again unable to capitalize on the powerplay. In the following minutes, Oswego and Utica proceeded to trade penalties, but a third powerplay executed by the Lakers would finally produce a goal tipped in by Erika Parenti at the 14:02 mark. Regaining offensive possession on the next play, Oswego earned another advantage as the 2nd period clock expired.  

Starting the third a man-up, the Lakers managed to maintain offensive zone positioning and improve their lead to 2-0 just 1:44 into the period. Oswego kept their foot on the gas, churning out a handful of quality scoring chances in the succeeding minutes. Not letting up either; the Pioneers plugged away on defense, generating a few seamless breakouts and zone-entry plays throughout the period. Junior Jenna Majewski found herself in the box for bodychecking, but fear not first year Georgia Cunliffe would come in clutch with a short-handed goal with 0:42 seconds left in the regulation. This final tally would secure a 3-0 shutout win over the Utica Pioneers. 

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will have a quick turnaround, heading to Utica, N.Y. tomorrow afternoon for the second game of this weekend's non-conference series against Utica University. Puck drop is set for 3:00PM at the Utica University Nexus Center.  

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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