AMHERST, M.A. -- Oswego Women's Hockey travelled down the road this morning for the second matchup of this weekend's road trip against the #2 Amherst College Mammoths. Looking to carry their offensive momentum from yesterday's 6-3 win over Western New England, the Lakers geared up for a physical battle with the Mammoths. Oswego's energy off the puck drop would catch the Amherst on their heels, keeping them on defense for the opening minutes. An initial tally collected by the Mammoths would give them the upper hand heading into the second period. Wasting no time, Amherst quickly attached a 2nd score off the opening faceoff, but Oswego remained focused and aggressive throughout the period. Despite a consistent effort by the Lakers at both ends of the ice, a fourth unanswered point notched by the Mammoths would finalize the score.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 0 (7-6-0, 3-1-0 SUNYAC)
Amherst 4 (9-0-2, 2-0-2 NESCAC)
Location: Orr Rink | Amherst, M.A
HOW IT HAPPENED
A fast start by the Lakers would catch the Mammoths off guard and keep them in their defensive zone for the beginning minutes of the first period. A couple of early shots sent in by Oswego's offense would make it to the net front but collected by senior netminder Natalie Stott. As both teams settled in, Amherst began to gain momentum, netting their first of the day at 5:19 off a rebound opportunity. Unbothered, Oswego continued to churn out offense in strength play and on the powerplay but were unable to level the score, trailing 1-0 heading into the second.
Despite winning the opening faceoff in the 2nd, a quick transition play by the Mammoths would beat out both Oswego defensemen, sending opposing forward, Sami Lester, on a breakaway on which she found the back of the cage just 0:07 seconds into the period. Recollecting on the next play, the Lakers gained offensive positioning and began putting their nose to the grindstone. As the second period continued to unfold, Amherst and Oswego traded turns in the penalty box, often making play 4-on-4 for short periods of time. A missed shot by the Lakers would give way to a seamless breakout, allowing the Mammoths to exit the Mammoths with a full head of steam. Defenseman Gretchen Dann would release a hefty wrist shot off the line rush, adding a third goal to the scoreline at the 11:59 mark. As the final frame approached, the physicality between the two teams continued to escalate, making every puck battle and possession crucial to success.
Although a comeback seemed like a daunting task, the Lakers remained consistent, making it difficult for the Mammoths to regain their rhythm in the third period. A handful of blocked shots would begin to frustrate Amherst, but they continued to pepper Mia Devivo with an array of shots. Just under 5 minutes into the third, forward Marie-Eve Marleau would be rewarded for her strong net-front presence, netting a fourth and final goal for the Mammoths. Oswego spared no effort in the remaining minutes, but none of their chances happened to fall in their favor, losing 4-0 to the #2 Amherst College Mammoths.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Women's Hockey will continue their road trip streak this Friday, January 16th, travelling to Rye, N.Y. to face off against the Manhattanville University Valiants. Puck drop will commence at 7:00PM at the Playland Ice Casino. Go Lakers!
Written by Matilda Pethrick
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