HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Oswego State Women's Field Hockey team traveled to Houghton University for a non-conference matchup against the Highlanders. The Lakers battled hard with a strong defensive effort but ultimately fell 2-0.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 0 (1-4, 0-0 SUNYAC)
Houghton 2 (4-0, 0-0 Empire 8)
Location: Burke Field | Houghton University | Houghton N.Y.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening quarter saw Houghton control much of the possession deep in Oswego's defensive zone, but the Lakers' back line held strong and kept the Highlanders from getting any shots off in the early minutes. With 11 minutes remaining, Oswego pushed the ball past midfield and nearly created a scoring chance, but Houghton's defense recovered in time. The Highlanders earned back-to-back penalty corners with just over nine minutes on the clock but were unable to convert. As the pace picked up, the Lakers found more possession and space to move the ball across the field, but Houghton's goalkeeper denied a late Oswego breakaway attempt. With just over three minutes to go, Houghton broke through for their first real look at goal, but Laker goalie Sam Krauthiem came up with a highlight-reel diving save to keep the score level. The Highlanders threatened again in the final seconds on another corner, but the Oswego defense cleared it away to close the quarter 0–0.

The second quarter opened with Oswego pushing the ball into Houghton's defensive zone, but the Highlanders once again shut down the scoring chance before it could develop. Possession was more evenly split early on, with both sides moving the ball up and down the field but struggling to generate clean looks at goal. Houghton nearly broke through on a fast break but was held to another penalty corner, which the Lakers' defense quickly defused. The Highlanders earned several more corners midway through the quarter, including one after an impressive Oswego save, but they continued to miss the mark, sending one attempt wide with eight minutes remaining. As the half wound down, Houghton's pressure kept the Lakers' defense on high alert, forcing several key stops. Oswego found a late spark with under three minutes to go, carrying the ball deep into Highlander territory and firing off a shot that was blocked before it reached the keeper. In the final seconds, Houghton fired a high shot on goal, but Oswego goalie Sam Krauthiem came up big once again with a leaping save to preserve the scoreless tie heading into halftime.

Oswego started the third quarter with possession, but a foul gave Houghton the ball, and the Highlanders quickly pushed it down the field for a shot that Sam Krauthiem once again saved, lunging out of the goal to keep the score even. The Lakers' defense remained strong, continuing to fight off Houghton's sustained pressure as the Highlanders moved the ball around to create scoring chances. Five minutes in, Houghton earned their first corner of the second half, but Oswego cleared the ball and denied them the opportunity. While the Highlanders still controlled possession for much of the quarter, the Lakers began creating more breakthroughs, earning their first corner with six minutes remaining. They fired shots on goal but were unable to convert. Houghton returned the pressure, taking two quick corners, and a deflection off one of their plays led to the Highlanders' first goal with three minutes left. Shortly after, Houghton capitalized on another corner to find the back of the net again, ending the quarter with a 2-0 lead over Oswego.

The fourth quarter opened with Oswego pushing to get back into the game, earning a corner within the first two minutes. The Lakers fired a shot that went just wide, handing possession back to Houghton. The Highlanders responded with a corner of their own and kept the ball near Oswego's goal, but Krauthiem came up with another strong save to keep the margin at two. With eight minutes remaining, the score still stood 2-0, but the Lakers continued to fight, trading possessions and searching for an opening. As the final minutes ticked away, the pressure intensified and play grew scrappy, with Oswego moving the ball across the field but struggling to break through Houghton's quick defense. With under two minutes to play, the Lakers earned one last corner and sent multiple shots toward goal, but all were blocked. The Highlanders held strong until the final whistle, sealing a 2-0 victory over Oswego.


WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday, September 17, when they host SUNY Geneseo at Laker Turf Stadium. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.
 
Written By: Jillian Kraus