CANTON, N.Y. – Oswego Women's Hockey returned to action this afternoon in the Terry L. Martin Arena for the second matchup of this weekend's conference doubleheader against the SUNY Canton Kangaroos. After last night's dominant 5-0 win over the Roos, the Lakers came out prepared to respond to a fiery Canton squad. An early powerplay advantage for Oswego would allow them to open scoring just a few minutes into the first period. Catching the Roos off guard, an excited Laker squad would head into the second period with a 2-0 lead. A scoreless second period would leave both teams hungry for more in the final frame. Despite an unsuccessful Canton advantage, the Kangaroos would not take 'No' for an answer, tallying their first of the weekend halfway through the 3rd. Oswego kept their foot on the gas as the clock expired, pulling away with a 2-1 win and conference series sweep over SUNY Canton.   

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 2 (18-2-1, 14-1-1 SUNYAC)   

Canton 1 (6-12-2, 4-9-1 SUNYAC) 

Location: Terry L. Martin Ice Arena | Canton, N.Y.  

 
HOW IT HAPPENED  

A fast start by Oswego would have the Kangaroos playing chase in the beginning minutes of the first period. A high-sticking penalty called against Canton defenseman Sydney Valiquette would award the Lakers the first advantage of the game just under 3 minutes into play. A solid possession by the first powerplay unit would set up a nice line change opportunity, allowing the second unit to maintain zone coverage. A nice passing play between Sydney Pinti and Leah Coley would move the Canton penalty kil out of position, giving Coley a clear lane to walk in and put the puck top shelf behind opposing netminder Alyssa Townsley at 4:11. As Canton returned to even strength they began to generate some offense, but would struggle to break the puck out against the Laker' aggressive forecheck. So much so that Oswego would hold the Roos in their zone for minutes at a time. The end of one of these possessions would result in a second goal tipped in by sophomore transfer Jenna Majewski at the 10:34 mark. In the remaining half of the period, the Lakers kept their foot on the gas and continued to test Townsley but would have to settle for a 2-0 lead heading into the second period. 

A hungry Canton squad came out ready to work in the 2nd period, winning the starting faceoff. Undeterred the Lakers would regain possession on the following play and head into the Roos' zone. A compilation of hefty shots generated by Oswego would be swallowed by Townsley or deflected by Canton's defensemen. An interference penalty charged to Jane Pancoe would put the Lakers back on the powerplay at the 8:48 mark of the second. An unsuccessful advantage for Oswego would be turned around by Canton as they headed up the ice looking to add to the scoreline. A few minutes later sophomore Helen Vandamme would be sent to the box for tripping giving the Kangaroos their first opportunity on the powerplay. As play returned to even strength, the Lakers worked hard to maintain their 2-0 lead for the remainder of the period. 

A scuffle in front of Oswego's net, following the final 2nd period whistle, would put the Lakers back on the penalty kill for the opening minutes of the third period. A connected PK unit would keep the Roos at bay once again, but Canton didn't take 'No' for an answer, erasing the Lakers' shutout with a goal off a rebound a couple minutes later at 7:40. Determined to tie the score, Canton took every chance they got to shoot the puck but Lexi Levy stood tall in net collecting a total of 30 shots in today's matchup. As the clock began to tick down, Oswego held off the Kangaroos, securing a 2-1 win and weekend sweep over SUNY Canton.  

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will have a few days to prepare for their third conference double-header in a row, against the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs. The Lakers will return home for the two-game series with the first competition starting this Friday, February 14th at 3:00 PM in the Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena. Go Lakers! 

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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