PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Hockey looked to bounce back from last night's loss in today's much-anticipated rematch against rival SUNY Plattsburgh. Determined to collect a set of SUNYAC points this weekend, the Lakers spared no time or effort, stringing together a complete 60 minutes of play. Straight out of the gate, Oswego found offensive momentum, but the first period would prove to be a physical back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to score. The battle continued into the second period, but the long change would get the best of the Lakers, giving up a 1-0 lead to the Cardinals heading into the final frame. Putting their nose to the grindstone, Oswego not only leveled the scoreline 1-1, but collected a 2-1 lead in the middle minutes of the third period. Plattsburgh worked hard to send the game into overtime, but were unable to tie it up, falling 2-1 to the Lakers in their first SUNYAC loss of the season.  

THE BASICS  
Final Score:  
Oswego 2 (10-7-0, 4-2-0 SUNYAC)   

Plattsburgh 1 (10-6-0, 5-1-0 SUNYAC) 

Location: Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena| Plattsburgh, N.Y. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

An energetic start by Oswego kept the Cardinals on their heels in the beginning minutes, but as both teams began to settle in, Plattsburgh found a way to exchange a handful of shots of their own. While the first period continued to unfold, the physicality began to increase, sending Cardinal Molly Riggi and Laker Sydney Pinti to the box just minutes apart. With neither squad able to capitalize on the advantage, it was a race to find the back of the net first when play returned to even strength. The final minutes of the period were a back-and-forth battle, but the scoreline would remain 0-0 heading into the second.  

Another compilation of connected opening minutes allowed Oswego to regain their momentum and find their structure in the defensive zone. But as the period got underway, the Lakers began to suffer from the long change, struggling to break out with tired legs. A composed Plattsburgh offense managed to control Oswego's zone and generate a handful of quality scoring chances against an exhausted defense, eventually finding the first tally at the 7:37 mark. Although now trailing 1-0, the Lakers did not let Plattsburgh's tally put a damper on their energy, peppering opposing netminder Maddy Stetson with multiple shots and rebounds on the next few shifts. At 10:40, junior forward Erika Parenti would unfortunately get the worst of Meaghan Forsyth's high-sticking penalty, awarding the Lakers another powerplay opportunity. Just under a minute into their advantage, a controversial slashing penalty charged to Georgia Cunliffe would briefly make play 4-on-4. This set of unsuccessful powerplays and an evenly matched remaining minutes, left the scoreboard to be settled in the final frame.  

Determined to level the score, the Lakers did not let off the gas. Gaining offensive positioning off the puck drop. A nice shot by first year Lauren Riccobelli would miss the net but find linemate Georgia Cunliffe in the high slot area, where she would bury a heavy shot over the shoulder of Stetson just 5:31 into the 3rd period. Prepared for overtime, but not ready to relinquish just yet, Oswego continued to push the pace and test the Cardinals' perseverance. A few minutes later, a wide shot by Plattsburgh's Zoe Puc kick-started a fast breakout play for the Lakers, sending Kayle Doerre and Erika Parenti on an odd-man rush, on which Doerre would finish a second goal off a tip at the 11:33 mark. Flustered, Plattsburgh worked tirelessly to tie up the game, but it just wasn't in the cards for them, falling 2-1 to the Oswego Lakers at the final buzzer. 

WHAT'S NEXT  

Oswego Women's Hockey will finally return to the Deborah F. Stanley Arena for the first contest of a two-game series against conference foe, SUNY Canton. The Lakers and Kangaroos will face off this Friday, January 30th at 3:00PM. Go Lakers! 

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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