MORRISVILLE, N.Y. -- Oswego Women's Ice Hockey traveled to SUNY Morrisville to face off against the Mustangs in their first SUNYAC matchup of the weekend. Set on collecting two conference points after a lackluster performance against Canton, the Lakers kept their foot on the gas until the final buzzer. A solid start for Oswego would give them a few early scoring chances, but their consistent effort would eventually be rewarded with a late tally. Heading into the second period up 1-0. Unsatisfied, the Lakers continued to churn out offense, keeping the Mustangs on defense for much of the period. Another last-minute goal would extend the scoreline to 2-0 just before the final frame. Picking up right where they left off, Oswego collected a third unanswered goal, but Morrisville was not ready to relinquish coming back 3-3. Discontent, the Lakers put their nose to the grindstone; finding a way to muscle out a 5-3 victory with a rebound goal and empty netter in the closing minutes.  

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 5 (11-8-1, 5-3-1 SUNYAC)  

Morrisville 3 (3-17-0, 1-8-0 SUNYAC) 

Location: Morrisville Ice Plex Arena| Morrisville, N.Y. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

An excited start by the Lakers would earn them immediate offensive entry. Wasting little time, Oswego placed a handful of early shots on net, nearly notching a rebound goal in the opening minute. As Morrisville found their legs, they would be awarded the first advantage of the game on their first possession. Unphased, the Lakers continued to build momentum on the penalty kill. A compilation of blocked shots and back-to-back clears held the Mustangs in their defensive zone as Oswego returned to even strength. In the middle minutes, the Lakers would string together a series of connected passing plays and scoring chances, but opposing netminder, J'Anne Colbow stood tall in net for Morrisville. Determined to break the 0-0 stalemate before the second period, Oswego maintained possession and held their ground in the slot area. As the clock began to wither, Helen VanDamme placed a strong shot-pass on Colbow's far pad, which found the stick of Erika Parenti who would bang it home at the 17:58 mark. Finishing the period with a 1-0 lead. 

Unsatisfied, the Lakers did not hesitate to turn up their offensive intensity in the second period, holding Morrisville in their zone for the beginning minutes. Unable to get a change, Morrisville's tired legs would eventually get the best of them, suffering a tripping penalty. A composed effort from Oswego's powerplay unit would keep the Mustangs on their heels on defense and Colbow on her toes in net but would unfortunately not produce anything of note. While Morrisville returned 5-on-5 unscathed, they remained trapped on defense for much of the period. Despite their many quality scoring chances, Liliana Ficaro happened to secure a 2-0 lead for the Lakers off a fluttering, chip play from defenseman Tilly Pethrick in the final minutes.  

Oswego picked up right where they left off in the second period, adding a third unanswered goal to the tally just 2:11 minutes into the third. Despite the Lakers' growing lead, the Mustangs were not ready to relinquish, netting their first goal of the night a minute and a half later at the 3:40 mark. In the following minutes, Morrisville capitalized once again on a slight lull in Oswego's energy, collecting a second goal at 5:07. The Lakers did not let this sudden surge put a damper on their game, remaining composed at both ends of the ice. While the clock slowly ticked down, a detrimental tripping penalty charged against Leah Coley would cost Oswego their one-goal lead, as opposing defenseman Tilly Couture pocketed an equalizer at 15:18. Disgruntled, Oswego put their nose to the grindstone, securing a 5-3 win over the Mustangs with a game-winning goal by Lauren Riccobelli and an empty netter put in by Katie Demers. 

WHAT'S NEXT  

Looking to collect a weekend sweep in conference play, Oswego Women's Hockey will carry tonight's winning momentum into tomorrow's matchup against the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. Puck drop is set for 3:00 PM in Alumni Arena. Go Lakers! 

Written by Matilda Pethrick 

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