OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey capped off their home series with a competitive matchup against the St. John Fisher University Cardinals. After falling to Nazareth in a double OT sudden death, the Lakers came out looking to secure some early offensive momentum, but with the Cardinals also hoping to end their losing streak, that would prove to be an arduous task. An energetic start by St. John would earn them the first turn on offense and goal of the game in the beginning minutes of the 1^st quarter. As play unfolded Oswego adjusted on defense, but struggled to penetrate the Cardinals' circle on offense entering halftime trailing 1-0. With both teams determined to contribute to the scoresheet, it did not take long for the intensity of play to elevate, forcing a winner to be settled in the final frame. The Lakers' persistent effort on defense would not be enough to stop St. John Fisher's consistent force, resulting in a 2-0 loss to the Cardinals.  

THE BASICS 
Final Score:  
Oswego 0 (1-3, 0-0 SUNYAC) 
St. John Fisher 2 (1-2, 0-0 Empire 8) 
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 
An energetic start by St. John Fisher would earn them the first turn on offense and their first penalty corner opportunity off the opening center pass. A bobbled insert reception would make it difficult for them to generate a quality chance on net, but they would make good on their second attempt, securing the first goal of the match just 3:12 into the first quarter. As play steadily unfolded, the Lakers adjusted on defense, but struggled to yield any penetrative offense, while the Cardinals continued to apply consistent pressure in Oswego's circle. A slide play created by the St. John Fisher forwards lead to an impressive diving save by sophomore goalkeeper Sam Krautheim that would maintain the 1-0 scoreline. As the 1^st quarter clock began to tick down, Oswego found their legs in the midfield, but it just wouldn't be enough to level the playing field.  

The Cardinals wasted no time re-establishing themselves on offense in the second quarter, but a connected Laker front stood in their way, shutting down multiple scoring chances in the beginning minutes. A solid drive clear by junior Julia Alvey would give the Lakers some momentum moving up the field, but St. John Fisher did not hesitate to step up in the midfield, cutting off a sequence of passes between the Oswego forwards. The Cardinals would earn a fourth corner attempt on their next trip into the Lakers' zone, but a vigilant defensive effort by Oswego would reject a bouncing drive sent in by Alison Taplin. A well-placed insert by Sophia Prianti would set Ellie Kazel up nicely for a hefty drive. Clearing Kazel's shot out just before the buzzer, the Cardinals would hold onto their mere 1-0 lead heading into the intermission.  

With both teams determined to contribute to the scoresheet, it did not take long for the intensity of play to improve. Another immediate offensive rush invoked by the Cardinals would catch the Lakers on their heels. Krautheim would block an initial shot by Fisher, but a desperate attempt to clear the scuffle that progressed would result in the Cardinals earning a penalty stroke 9:17 into the 3^rd quarter. While the final minutes slowly dissipated, it became clear that a winner would have to be settled in the final frame as neither team showed any signs of relinquishment.  

The Cardinals' eighth corner attempt would finally heed success, as Stuart redeemed herself with a tip goal off a drive sent in by teammate Jordan Kauffman 3:20 into the quarter. In spite of a persistent defensive effort by Oswego, the Lakers were unable to hold off a the Cardinals' consistent force, swallowing a 2-0 loss to St. John Fisher University.  

WHAT'S NEXT 
Oswego Field Hockey will use the next days of practice to prepare for their first away competition of the 2025 season, travelling to Caneadea, N.Y. this Saturday, September 13^th to face off against the Houghton University Highlanders in a non-conference matchup. The game is set to commence at 1:00PM on Burke Field. Go Lakers! 
 
Written By: Matilda Pethrick