MIDDLEBURY, V.T. – After some well-deserved celebrations, Oswego Women's Lacrosse got back to work, preparing for their first-ever NCAA tournament berth against the Ithaca College Bombers. With both teams looking to continue their win streaks and keep their season alive, the Lakers strapped in for a physical back-and-forth battle. The Bombers wasted no time getting on the board off the opening draw, but Oswego was quick to respond and achieve a brief lead early in the first quarter. Entering the 2nd quarter with the score deadlocked 6-6, both teams were eager to find some separation, but would end the first half still tied up, but this time 9-9. A quiet third quarter, in terms of scoring, would not generate much excitement, but a late offensive surge from Ithaca would give them a 12-10 lead heading into the final frame. Building off their momentum, the Bombers continued to add onto their lead, but the Lakers were not easy to relinquish, tacking on two final goals. Despite Oswego's toil, it just would not be enough to counter Ithaca's dominant 5-goal performance in the fourth quarter, falling 17-13 in the final minutes.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 13 (15-3, 11-0 SUNYAC)
Ithaca 17 (14-6, 7-3 Liberty League)
Location: Peter Kohn Field | Middlebury, V.T.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A quick draw control and offensive rush by the Bombers would not give the Lakers much time to settle in on defense, as Ithaca would notch the first goal of the match just a minute and a half into play. Responding promptly, Madison Davis would fetch an equalizer off a give and go pass from Julia Quirk at 12:36. As the first quarter continued to unfold, Oswego started to find some rhythm, pulling ahead 3-1 thanks to two back-to-back goals scored by junior Alexis Hill at 10:44 and 9:28. Ithaca midfielder Kelly Augeri would control the possession following Hill's second effort, giving her team the necessary momentum to level the score board 3-3 a few minutes later at the 6:06 mark. Davis would be charged with a green card but would not be in the box long, as Bomber Kathryn Scallon would make good on her team's first man-up opportunity with a goal at 4:44. Ithaca midfielders Lily Cody and Lexi Kellish would tack on two more unanswered goals to extend their lead to 6-3 as the 1st quarter clock began to run low. Determined to close the door, Alexis Hill put Oswego's offense on her back with another pair of goals, improving the score to 6-5 with 1:58 remaining. The following draw controlled by Mackenzie Winn would award the Lakers the final possession and goal of the opening quarter, tying the score up 6-6 heading into the second.
Another strong start by Ithaca would keep Oswego on their toes in the beginning minutes of the 2nd quarter, but Cassidy Croce would collect the first tally at 13:10. Just 0:25 seconds later the Bombers would strike back tying the scoreline up 7-7. A few scoreless minutes would succeed Ithaca's equalizer, until Madison Davis broke the dry spell with her second of the day at the 7:46 mark. A few moments later, a nice feed from Mackenzie Winn would find the stick of Noelle Smith who would extend Oswego's lead to 9-7 at 5:38. A shooting space foul called against Aubrianna Greene would grant Kelly Augeri a free-position attempt and goal at 4:51. Determined to level the playing field before halftime, Augeri collected a hat trick and improved the scoreline to 9-9 closing out scoring for the half.
After a brief intermission, the back-and-forth nature of the second quarter would persist into the third, keeping the scoreboard deadlocked 9-9 for the first 8 minutes of play, until Cassidy Croce broke the drought with a tenth point at 7:18. Another dry spell would follow Croce's effort until a late offensive surge by the Bombers would allot them 3 consecutive goals, entering the final frame up 12-10.
Carrying their momentum into the early minutes of the 4th quarter, Ithaca lengthened their lead to 13-10 at 14:37. Adamant to lessen their deficit, Alexis Hill found her 5th goal of the match at the 11:26 mark, but keeping their foot on gas, the Bombers would regain a 3-goal cushion at 8:52. Not ready to relinquish just yet, the Lakers continued to chip away at the scoreline with another successful free-position attempt moments later at 7:01. A yellow card charged against Bomber Lily Cody on the following play would give Oswego an advantage for the remainder of the game. Undeterred, Ithaca still managed to pocket a 17th goal at a disadvantage, securing a 17-13 win over the Lakers and their ticket to second round of the NCAA tournament.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Women's Lacrosse closes out their historic 2025 season with an overall record of 15-3, remaining undefeated in the SUNYAC to clinch their first conference title and first-ever NCAA tournament berth. Best of luck to the Class of 2025 Seniors in their future endeavors and huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support! Go Lakers!
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
@OswegoAthletics | FB: OswegoAthleticsOfficial | IG: oswegoathletics
