OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Women's Lacrosse geared up this afternoon for an out of conference matchup against the Utica University Pioneers. After a close 10-8 loss to Brockport on Wednesday, the Lakers were eager to get back into the winning column and did not hesitate to take control of today's game. A hot start by Oswego did not allow the Pioneers much time to find their defensive structure, netting their first goal just 1:40 into play. A pair of tallies collected on free-position shots extended the Lakers' lead to 3-0, but a late score from Utica would improve the scoreline to 3-1 before the 2nd quarter. Building off their late offensive surge, the Lakers did not hesitate to re-establish themselves on attack in the second, finding an 8-1 lead entering halftime. Not ready to relinquish, the Pioneers found a way to counter in the third quarter, lessening their deficit momentarily. But Oswego's dominance could not be contained, increasing their margin to 17-4 ahead of the final buzzer. A last-minute effort by Pioneer Bella Kolb would be a little too little, too late, as Oswego ran the remaining time down, securing a 17-5 victory over the Utica University Pioneers. 

 
THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 17 (3-4, 0-0 SUNYAC) 

Utica 5 (2-2, 0-0 Empire 8) 

 
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

A solid opening draw control by the Lakers would give them the forward foot in the beginning minutes. After a quick pass around, Oswego wasted little time getting to work, collecting their first free-position attempt and goal scored by Aubri Green just 1:40 into the first quarter. The Lakers would return on offense off the following draw thanks to Alexis Hill on the circle, but a lockdown defensive effort by the Pioneers would run the shot clock down and turn the ball over into their possession. As the quarter continued to get underway, the Lakers continued to make their presence known in ground ball battles and offensively, netting two more free-position goals at the 8:06 and 6:45 marks. On the next play, a good take from Green would be rejected by Utica's netminder Makayla Purdy, but Oswego's vigilant man-on-man made it difficult for the Pioneers to clear out of their zone. In spite of only having half of their shot clock remaining, a hard crease drive from Alyssa Specchio was enough to get the Pioneers on the board at 4:38. Keeping their foot on the gas, Utica earned two free position opportunities in the closing minutes, but senior goalkeeper Alana Iacovissi stood tall, maintaining the 3-1 scoreline heading into the second quarter.  

Building off their late offensive surge, the Lakers did not hesitate to re-establish themselves on attack, extending their lead to 4-1 at 14:01. In the following minutes, Oswego did not let up, attaching a fifth goal scored by sophomore Kylie Fritton off a forced turnover at the 9:16 mark of the second quarter. The Pioneers would earn a brief turn on offense on the next possession, but Oswego was quick to regain control of the ball on defense and head up field. Some connected ball movement between the Lakers produced a handful of quality scoring opportunities, but nothing would fall their way until Noelle Smith's low-to-low attempt evaded the stick of Purdy at 7:11. A set of back-and-forth minutes would be put to an end by a 7th goal pocketed by Milena Vassallo with just under five minutes to play. The Pioneers found a second wind in the eleventh hour, but an unfortunate failed clear by Makayla Purdy would be picked up and put behind her by Fritton 0:08 seconds before halftime.  

The intermission gave Utica some time to catch their breath and recollect, but the Lakers were ready to jump right back in, improving the scoreline to 9-1 at the 13:32 mark. Unbothered, the Pioneers responded promptly, gaining the 25-yard line in transition and a second goal off a free-position attempt, a minute later at 12:31. Determined to lessen their deficit, Utica began to elevate their intensity at both ends of the field, but this would somewhat backfire, sending two players to the sideline after being issued cards in the following minutes. Despite their comfortable 7-goal lead, Oswego continued to open the throttle, garnering another pair of goals at the 9:47 and 7:00 points. Not ready to relinquish just yet, Utica dug their heels in, pushing the scoreboard to 11-4 at 4:01. As the clock began to tick down, the Lakers' scoring reign did not cease, finding a 13-4 advantage entering the final frame.  

Relieving Alana Iacovissi of her duties, first year goaltender Sophia Diaz, entered play to hold down the fort for the Lakers in the fourth quarter. But to her benefit, Oswego did not spend much time in their defensive end at all, laying down the hammer on attack with a hat trick of goals in the middle minutes. As the final buzzer drew near, Utica would earn a quality offensive run, releasing a compilation of shots on net. Unsuccessful, their missed attempts would once again kickstart Oswego's breakout, awarding Vassallo her second goal on an odd-man rush. A late tally added by Pioneer Bella Kolb would be a little too little, too late, as Oswego ran the remaining time down, securing a 17-5 victory over the Utica University Pioneers.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Women's Lacrosse will have a few days to rest and recover before traveling to Fredonia, N.Y. for their first conference matchup against the SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils on Wednesday, March 25th. The opening draw is set to commence at 4:00PM in the University Stadium. Go Lakers! 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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