POTSDAM, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey set out on their final big road trip of the month, heading to the north country to kick off their conference campaign with a matchup against the SUNY Potsdam Bears. Looking to build off last weekend's two-game sweep, the Lakers came out the gate flying. A couple early scoring chances by Oswego, would be quickly matched with two back-to-back goals by the Bears, achieving a 2-0 lead heading into the second period. Determined to lessen their deficit, the Lakers spared no effort at both ends of the ice, ending the 2nd still trailing 3-1. The final frame would test the Lakers' resilience, playing most of the period with an empty net. Having a 6-on-5 advantage would pay off, allowing them to improve the scoreline to 4-3, but it would still not be enough.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego 3 (9-7-0, 3-2-0 SUNYAC)
Potsdam 4 (7-6-2, 2-2-1 SUNYAC)
Location: Maxcy Hall Ice Arena| Potsdam, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ready to rock, the Lakers found a hot start off the opening puck drop, wasting no time getting shots on opposing netminder Magalie Parent. The only thing that would put a halt to Oswego's momentum would be a too-many-players-on-the-ice penalty, served by first year Alex O'Brien. Despite a few solid looks on the powerplay, the Bears struggled against a connected Laker PK unit. As 5-on-5 play resumed, both teams took turns on offense, but Potsdam would be the first on the board with a five-hole goal scored by forward Jalynn Castro. Fired up, the Bears collected a second tally on the very next shift off a rebound at the 10:23 mark. Determined to lessen their deficit, the Lakers put their nose to the grindstone, churning out some quality minutes of play. Jessika Bullock and first year Abigail Dicks traded time in the penalty box in the final minutes of the period, giving Potsdam an advantage starting the second period.
Another successful penalty kill would allow for Oswego to keep control of Potsdam at both ends of the ice in the beginning minutes of the 2nd period. As Potsdam regained some momentum, Victoria Proulx would be charged with a tripping penalty, unphased the Bears would shut down the Lakers' powerplay and notch a third goal just after returning to full strength at 6:57. Not ready to relinquish, Oswego put the pedal to the medal, retaining possession for a handful of minutes. A wide shot sent in by Kayla Doerre would find the stick of defenseman Tilly Pethrick who would find the back of the net at the 12:36 mark. The Bears and Lakers would share offensive positioning in the remaining minutes, but Oswego still managed to outshoot Potsdam 16 shots to 3.
The final frame would be a test of will for Oswego, falling behind 4-1 just 6:39 into play. Unphased, the Lakers tightened their boots and played a lot of the last twenty minutes without Mia Devivo in net. Head coach, Mark Digby's, extra man strategy would pay off, generating a second goal scored by Meagan Smith on the powerplay at the 14:28 mark. Confident in their ability, the Lakers dominated Potsdam's zone, finding another goal with just under a minute left in regulation. Despite a last-ditch effort, it was a little too little, too late for Oswego, falling 4-3 to SUNY Potsdam.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Women's Hockey will hope to redeem some SUNYAC points in a well-anticipated rematch against the SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals tomorrow Saturday, January 24th at 3:00PM in the Ronald B. Stafford Arena. Go Lakers!
Written by Matilda Pethrick
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