OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Field Hockey returned to home turf this evening to host the Keuka College Wolves after a successful weekend on the road. Looking to maintain their winning momentum, the Lakers came out ready to battle. Pushing the pace from the opening whistle, Oswego controlled the run of play on both sides of the ball for the majority of the first half, but a steadfast Keuka squad did not back down easily, limiting the Lakers to a 1-0 advantage. As the match resumed after halftime, it was obvious that Oswego was determined to extend their lead. This sense of urgency elevated the pace of play, forcing both teams to utilize their benches to stay fresh and turning the match into a game of inches in the midfield. With the intensity of the 3rd quarter being quickly picked back up in the final frame, Oswego stayed vigilant, but despite sparing no effort on offense, they would earn a 1-0 win over the Keuka University Wolves.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Oswego: 1 (3-0, 0-0 SUNYAC)
Keuka: 0 (0-2, 0-0 Empire 8)
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.
HOW IT HAPPENED
An assertive start by the Lakers would challenge the Wolves off the starting center pass. Despite allowing Oswego an initial offensive surge, Keuka responded in a timely manner, finding their legs in the opening minutes thanks to a few connected defensive transitions into the midfield. Quickly shifting their energy into their defense, the Lakers stood tall in their circle defending a handful of strong rebound opportunities and surviving two back-to-back corner attempts generated by Keuka. A nice series of saves made by junior goalkeeper Sam Krautheim would allow her team to regain offensive possession. Hungry to open scoring, the Lakers swiftly made their way up the field, penetrating the Wolves' circle. A nice shot sent across the Keuka's net front by senior Gabby Curtis would find the stick of Julia Unger in front, who secured the first tally of the match at the 8:27 mark. Unger's goal set the tone for the rest of the first quarter, amping up the intensity of play in the final minutes.
The brief intermission allowed the Wolves to catch their breath and reconvene, coming out hot in the opening frames of the 2nd quarter. This energy would give them some solid control off the center pass, but Oswego was right there to rival them. Stripping Keuka of the ball, the Lakers wasted little time advancing the ball north to their forwards. A compilation of shots on opposing netminder Khadeeja Reed would generate several chances, but Oswego had to compromise with a pair of penalty corners. Their attempts produced some promising looks, but a lockdown defensive effort by Keuka made it difficult to make any scoring progress. Not letting up, the Lakers continued to lay the hammer down on offense as the clock began to tick down, yet the scoreline remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
As play picked back up, it was obvious that Oswego was determined to extend their narrow lead. This sense of urgency was shown all over the field, keeping the Wolves on their toes. Not more than six minutes into the third quarter, the elevated pace of play forced both teams to utilize their benches to stay fresh but with neither team willing to budge; most of the residual minutes were played in the midfield.
The intensity of the 3rd was quickly picked back up and maintained throughout the final quarter, with Oswego defending as a united front and Keuka knocking on the doorstep. A late corner attempt by the Wolves with 3:32 remaining, granted them a prime opportunity to level the scoreboard, but a mishit at the top of the circle and green card drew by Paige Bull stunted Keuka's chances and put them at a disadvantage for the final minutes. Oswego stayed vigilant, but despite sparing no effort all quarter, they would earn a 1-0 win over the Keuka College Wolves.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oswego Field Hockey will have a quick turnaround, heading to Wilkes, P.A. to this Friday, September 11th to face off against the Wilkes University Colonels. The match is set to kick off at 7:00PM in Schmidt Stadium at the Ralston Athletic Complex. Go Lakers!
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
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