RYE, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey made their way down state this weekend for a two-game series against the Manhattanville University Valiants. Looking to earn some winning momentum ahead of conference play next weekend, the Lakers wasted no time off the puck drop, keeping the Valiants on defense for the beginning minutes of the first period. A physical effort by Manhattanville would be no match for Oswego, heading into the second period up 2-0. An evenly played second period left the scoreline unchanged, but the Lakers continued to control the pace of play entering the final frame. Despite a consistent effort by both teams and a few final chances put on Manhattanville's empty net by Oswego, the Lakers would have to settle for a 2-0 victory over the Valiants. 

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 2 (8-6-0, 3-1-0 SUNYAC)   

Manhattanville 0 (2-11-1, 2-0-2 UCHC) 

Location: Playland Ice Casino Arena| Rye, N.Y. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

A confident start by the Lakers would keep the Valiants on defense for the opening minutes of the match, but as both teams began to settle in, Manhattanville found their legs. While Oswego took a minute to adjust to the narrow ice, the Valiants used it to their advantage on the breakout. As the period continued to unfold, the physicality began to increase, sending opposing Katherine Stahl to the box for boarding at the 6:20 mark, giving the Lakers the first powerplay of the game. Oswego would test Valiant netminder Olivia Cimorelli with a handful of shots, but Manhattanville would return to 5-on-5 unscathed. But not for long, as sophomore forward Meagan Smith found the back of the net on the following play, putting the Lakers up 1-0 at 9:45. Dominating the remaining minutes of the period, a seamless breakout and line rush by Oswego produced a prime shooting opportunity for first year Georgia Cunliffe that would be tipped into the net by linemate Lauren Riccobelli at the 15:41 mark, landing the Lakers a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.  

A late penalty drawn by Smith at the initial buzzer gave Manhattanville a brief turn on the advantage in the beginning minute. Unphased, Oswego held steady on the penalty kill, limiting the Valiants' offensive chances and zonetime. As play returned to even-strength, the Lakers continued to churn out offense but struggled to evade Cimorelli. Another Oswego penalty drawn by Kayla Doerre would award Manhattanville a second opportunity a few minutes later, but they would be unsuccessful once again. The latter half of the second period proved to be evenly matched between the two teams, but Oswego still managed to control the pace of play entering the final frame.  

The scoreline would remain unchanged in the 3rd period, but a consistent effort by both teams made it a battle until the final buzzer. Despite a few final shots put on Manhattanville's empty net, the Lakers would have to settle for a 2-0 victory over the Valiants.  

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will compete for a weekend sweep against the Valiants tomorrow, January 17th at 2:00PM. Go Lakers! 

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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