OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey resumed their 4-game home series with a rainy Senior Day matchup against the Nazareth University Golden Flyers. Looking to celebrate their 7 veterans with a second consecutive win, the Lakers' excitement and determination was palpable, but the Flyers did not hesitate to match this electric energy. As regulation play got underway, both teams traded numerous corner opportunities and scoring chances, but it became apparent that it would take more than that to secure a win, sending the 0-0 game into overtime. As fatigue sunk in, neither team was able to break the deadlock, requiring a second 7-on-7 OT period to determine a winner. An immediate corner opportunity and rebound goal generated by Nazareth would finally be enough to secure a narrow 1-0 win over the Lakers, despite their relentless defensive effort. Massive shoutout to the Class of 2026 and sophomore goalkeeper Sam Krautheim for an outstanding 26-save performance.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 0 (1-2, 0-0 SUNYAC)
Nazareth 1 (2-1, 0-0 Empire 8)
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
With a starting lineup including all seven members of Oswego's Class of 2026, you could feel the excitement and suspense emanating from the field. A strong starting center pass by senior Madi Stuckart would set the Lakers off on the right foot, but Nazareth did not hesitate to match Oswego's electric energy in the midfield. With the Flyers earning the first offensive turn and penalty corner opportunity of the game, the Lakers settled in on defense. As the opening minutes continued to unfold, Oswego returned some solid offensive momentum of their own, but the score would remain 0-0. A series of aerial skills by Nazareth would allow them to clear out of their zone without difficulty, sending play back into Oswego's defensive zone. Despite a close call rejected by the left post, Sam Krautheim would prove why she was named defensive player of the week with an impressive compilation of back-to-back saves. While the initial buzzer drew closer, Nazareth sustained their heavy offensive pressure, but Oswego stood tall on defense keeping the score tied 0-0 heading into the 2nd quarter.
Picking up right where they left off, the Golden Flyers wasted no time putting balls into Oswego's circle but still could not capitalize. Determined to generate some forward momentum, the Lakers found their legs in the midfield with a fast-break opportunity by junior Natalie Shields, slowly shifting the field in their favor and earning their first corner opportunity of the match just under 7 minutes into the 2nd quarter. A hard-fought effort by Sophia Prianti just outside the 25-yard line kept the Lakers' offensive turn alive, but a lockdown Nazareth defense readily cleared the ball out. With neither team budging on defense, the scoreline would remain deadlocked 0-0 heading into halftime.
The intermission allowed both teams to catch their breath before the impending battle set to transpire in the second half. Hungry to be the first on the scoresheet, the Flyers promptly set their sights on eluding Krautheim, and an immediate corner opportunity would allow them too nearly do so as a nifty behind the back play successfully confused the Laker rushers, but a clutch kick save made by Krautheim would kill the play's potential and turn possession back over to Oswego. A few moments later, Nazareth would re-establish on offense and once-again fail to contribute to the scoreline. A last-ditch drive sent in from outside the circle by Flyer Juliana Dimao would deflect off the stick of Oswego defender Julia Alvey into the net but would be deemed no good as the buzzer sounded.
Looking to give the defense some much deserved rest, the Lakers worked hard throughout the final frame to create some separation on offense. Their relentless effort did not go unnoticed as they would be rewarded with 5 back-to-back penalty corners. Despite a handful of quality chances, nothing seemed to bounce in their favor, allowing Nazareth to have one final run on offense. A strong-side drive by Michaela Cushman would be no match for Krautheim, adding another block to her impressive 22-save regulation performance and sending the 0-0 game into an anxiously awaited overtime.
As overtime commenced, it was apparent that fatigue had begun to set in for both teams, but neither were willing to relinquish, sending the game into a second sudden death overtime period. An immediate corner opportunity and rebound goal generated by Nazareth would finally be enough to beat out an exhausted Oswego, just under a minute into the 2nd OT period.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lakers will have a few days to gear up for a key matchup against the St. John Fisher University Cardinals. The game is set to kickoff at 4:00PM this Wednesday, September 10th in Laker Turf Stadium. Go Lakers!
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
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