OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey returned to Laker Turf this afternoon to face off against the Elmira College Eagles in the second game of the season. With both teams looking to clutch their first win of the year, neither hesitated to jump on the ball off the opening possession. An early tally by the Lakers in the 1st quarter would have Elmira playing catch up for the better part of the half until making their first addition to the scoreline halfway through the second quarter. A solid performance by both teams in the third quarter would keep everyone on their toes, but Oswego's fiery determination would allow them to regain and hold onto a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame. A foul heavy 4th quarter would make it hard for either team to find some rhythm, but a persistent effort at both ends of the field by the Lakers would allow them to hold onto their 1-goal lead and pull out their first win of the 2025 season.  

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 2 (1-1, 0-0 SUNYAC) 

Elmira 1 (0-2, 0-0 Empire 8) 

 
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

An even start by both programs would have play contained to the midfield for the beginning minutes of the match, but this balanced tone would quickly be disrupted by the Lakers as they found success off two consecutive penalty corners, securing the first goal of the game and season at the 11:05 mark off a drive sent in by sophomore Carly King. Unphased, the Eagles found some momentum on the following play but were shut down by net minder Sam Krautheim and her defense. As the first quarter began to unfold, Oswego would find themselves stuck in their defensive zone for a series of minutes, fighting off multiple scoring attempts by Elmira. Despite a late offensive surge made by the Lakers, they would have to settle for a 1-0 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.  

A strong center pass by graduate student Ellie Kazel, would start Oswego on the right foot, earning a corner opportunity just 0:33 seconds into the second quarter. Unable to capitalize, the Eagles collected the ball and headed north looking setup on offense. An unsuccessful clear by an Oswego defender would be turned around and taken down the goal line by opposing forward Nicole Lather. A late shot by Lather would be deflected through the legs of Krautheim, leveling the scoreline 1-1 at 10:57. Hungry to regain a lead, the Lakers did not hesitate to repossess their early offensive rhythm, earning three quality penalty corner opportunities in 4 minutes. As halftime drew near, the 1-1 scoreline would persist leaving a winner to be determined after the intermission.  

Determined to create separation, another hot start by Oswego would award them 2 consecutive penalty corners in the first minute of 3rd quarter play, but standing ready on defense the Eagles shut down both attempts off the insert. The Lakers would find themselves on defense for a brief turn but did not struggle to clear the ball out to the midfield. A nice drive pass by Karina Thompkins would find the stick of Ellie Kazel, sending her down Broadway in Elmira's circle to notch a 2nd goal for the Lakers. While both teams traded possession in the remaining moments of the third, Oswego continued to control the pace of play heading into the final frame. 

Contrary to the 3rd quarter, it would take the Lakers a few minutes to creep in on offense as they fought through a plethora of fouls and whistles. Not ready to lay down just yet, the Eagles were quick to reject and clear out any quality balls in the circle, making it difficult for Oswego to find some rhythm. An offensive surge by the Eagles would seemingly catch the Lakers by surprise but Sam Krautheim pulled through with two impressive diving saves. A close corner attempt by Elmira on the next play would just nearly miss the right post but allowed the Lakers to make one last run on offense in hopes of lengthening their lead to 3-1. Although that didn't happen, a persistent effort at both ends of the field would grant Oswego their first victory of the 2025 season.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Join us in cheering on and celebrating the Class of 2026 in their Senior Day matchup against the Nazareth University Golden Flyers this Saturday, September 6th at 1:00PM in Laker Turf Stadium.   

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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