OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Lacrosse returned to Laker Turf Stadium this afternoon to face off against the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons. With both programs coming off major conference wins, a back-and-forth battle to remain undefeated was to be expected. A hot start by the Dragons would have the Lakers trailing behind early in the first quarter, but as they started to settle in, they began to respond. A very similar second quarter would leave the score standing at 8-6 just before halftime. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts in the third quarter, a 7-minute scoreless spell would ensue, until broken by two Red Dragon goals. Refusing to lay down, a determined Laker squad kept Oneonta at bay in the early minutes of the 4th quarter, once again lessening their deficit to just 2 goals. Shifting the field in their favor, Oswego found an equalizer goal and the game-winner in the final moments of the game, securing an 11-10 win over SUNY Oneonta. 

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 11 (7-3, 3-0 SUNYAC) 

Oneonta 10 (5-7, 2-1 SUNYAC) 

 
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

A dominant performance by Logan Prescott on the opening faceoff would give Oswego an initial chance on offense, but the strong shot from senior Gavin Elston would only generate a successful clear for the Red Dragons. As opposing netminder Mark Restivo quickly returned play up field, it would only take a couple passes for Oneonta to settle in on their first possession, notching the first goal of the game at 13:28. Just 0:20 seconds later the Dragons would strike again, catching Oswego on their heels off the faceoff. A brief timeout called by HC Andrew Daly would give his Lakers some time to reconvene, but Oneonta did not let up, adding a third unanswered goal to the tally at the 11:58 mark. As the 1st quarter continued to unfold, sophomore Garrett Elston found a way to respond, putting his team on the board at 10:18. Following Elston's lead, Jason Dongelewic improved the scoreline to 3-2 at 8:32. As the final beginning minutes approached, both teams would trade possession and goals, entering the second with a scoreline of 5-3.  

The start to the second quarter would almost perfectly imitate the start of the game, with a quick shot from an Elston brother and an even quicker goal from Oneonta at 13:31. Prescott would earn another win on the following faceoff, but the next few minutes would go scoreless despite a handful of quality chances. A couple connected passing plays between the Lakers would break the streak and allow both Jason Dongelewic and Hayden Coney to contribute to the scoresheet, lessening their deficit to 6-5 at the 5:41 mark. With Oswego breathing down their necks, the Red Dragons kicked it into high gear, regaining their primary 3-goal lead, but not for long, as Logan Prescott found his legs and a sixth goal for the Lakers just before halftime.  

After a brief intermission, it was evident Prescott's last-ditch effort created some momentum for his teammates, peppering Restivo with a range of shots right off the jump. With no successful attempts another scoreless spell would ensue, lasting just under 8 minutes before Oneonta junior, Jamie O'Neil, pocketed a ninth goal for the Dragons at 7:40. Fellow attackman Thomas Hnis continued to lengthen their lead to 10-6, a minute and a half later at the 6:12 mark. The Lakers would respond with some quality chances of their own, but Oneonta would hold onto their 4-goal lead heading into the final frame.  

Refusing to lay down, a determined Laker squad kept the Red Dragons at bay in the early minutes of the fourth quarter, making a successful clear out to defenseman Jackson Cummings. Cummings would find himself undefended through centerfield, passing it off to Corey O'Connor on the doorstep, where he would put the ball over the shoulder of Mark Restivo at 11:15. A few moments later Gavin Elston would finally find the back of the net off a forceful bounce shot. Now 10-8, Oneonta began to waver under the pressure from the Lakers. An aggressive cross-checking call would send Dongelewic to the box at 7:25. As play returned to even-strength, Oswego continued to chip away at their deficit with a post-to-post goal by Emmett Starowizc at 5:54. With the clock beginning to disappear, the Lakers did not let up, setting Hayden Coney up to tuck in an equalizer goal short side. Shifting the field in their favor, the Lakers kept the Red Dragons on defense for the final minute of play. With just 0:27 seconds left to play; Garrett Elston found the stick of Corey O'Connor in the slot, securing an 11th goal and a massive conference win over SUNY Oneonta. 

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Men's Lacrosse will continue their streak at home, hosting the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs this Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 PM. Come out to Laker Turf Stadium to support the Class of 2025 in their Senior Day Matchup! Go Lakers!   

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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