OSWEGO NY - Oswego welcomed Wilkes University out of Pennsylvania to kick off the 2025 season. After a physical and hard-fought game by both sides, Courtney Key would help Oswego pick up the first win of the 2025 campaign. 
 
BASICS 
Oswego 3 (1-0, 0-0 SUNYAC)
Wilkes 1 (0-1, 0-0 Landmark)
Laker Turf Field | Oswego, NY
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
Both teams were eager to get this first game going and that was evident as both teams shot out of a cannon to start the game. Nothing came easy in the early going as every ball was fought for and it was extremely physical. 

Oswego was the first one to strike as they found the back of the net in the first 10 minutes of play. Off a corner kick was the veteran, Courtney Key, to find the back of the net at 9:34. The header would sneak over the stretched hand of the Wilkes goaltender, Ava Long. The corner was sent in by Amber McDermott. The Senior-to-Senior connection got the Lakers up 1-0 to kick off the 2025 season. 

Just a few minutes later Oswego extended the lead. Key would again capitalize on a Laker corner. Key would slide across the box with an extremely athletic play to put Oswego up by 2. The assist would go to Kyla Sustad, the first of many for the junior. 

It took a while for the Colonels to get back in this one. In the 33rd minute, Wilkes would finally get their foot in the door. Jess Shea found nylon off a corner kick from the Sophomore, Elena Krajain. It was 2-1 going into half in the season opener for the Lakers. 
The first half energy seemed to dwindle during the break. The second half started out much slower. Both teams had opportunities, but each team had a scorching hot defense that wouldn't let up. 

Things shifted in the 33rd minute of the second period. A pass came from Kayla Baca and Schmitt did the rest. Schmitt would right foot it, and after a tip off the hand of Long, Schmitt found her first goal of the season. The lead was now 3-1 with the Lakers in complete control. 

The Lakers would prevail after astounding success on the defensive side of the ball. Oswego wouldn't pick up a save in this time period as the Colonels wouldn't be able to get anything on goal. With a balanced attack through and through, the Lakers won the contest, 3-1. 

WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego takes on the Knights of Geneseo on Tuesday. Oswego faces a challenge as the Knights had an impressive season in 2024 finishing 13-5-3. Kickoff will be at 4:00pm at Geneseo College Stadium. 

Luke Belanger's POTG - Courtney Key (2 goals on 4 shots) 

Written by: Luke Belanger