The Lakers finally enter conference play this weekend against the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. Oswego State will play them twice, Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., both played at Alumni Arena in Cortland. These two split the regular season series last year with the Lakers winning 4-0, then dropping the second game 3-1. In the first round of the ECAC West playoffs, the Lakers held off the Red Dragons in a 2-1 victory.
After coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Castleton State College last Saturday the Oswego State Lakers are looking to rebound and start off ECAC West play in winning fashion. The Red Dragons are are coming off a loss to Castleton and a win against New England, just like the Lakers, so this game and weekend series should show where both teams stand in the ECAC West.
Being this is Oswego State’s first road contest of the year the Lakers are looking to improve a 6-5 road record from last season. The biggest thing for the Lakers in this one is converting chances. The put up 59 shots but still fell to the Spartans and this isn’t the first time it has happened. Their opening night loss to the Barrie Junior Sharks was because Oswego State couldn’t convert on their chances.
Cortland finished 6-10-2 in conference play last season and made playoffs so overall they are looking to improve their record. If captain Laura Drew can score regularly like she did against New England College with two goals, one of the man up variety, the Red Dragons should be able to improve this year and make playoffs for the second straight season.
Nothing is confirmed yet but the Lakers should be starting senior goalie and captain Tori Trovato in net tonight while the Red Dragons will most likely go with Deanna Meunier, their senior goalie. Trovato wasn’t solid in the Castleton State loss but look for the Lakers to go back to her between the pipes.
Players to Watch
Oswego State: Alexa Aramburu
The New Jersey native has been excellent for the Lakers this year. She’s created opportunity after opportunity and has played great defensive hockey, as well. She has four points through the first two games and is a constant scoring threat when she touches the puck. Look for her to break the Lakers scoring woes and put up a goal and an assist tonight.
SUNY Cortland: Laura Drew
As previously mentioned she has two goals thus far and provides the Red Dragons with leadership they will need this year. The captain should be a key point for the Lakers to watch all night. She was third on the team in scoring last year and put up five goals, she has two through two contests this year so this may be her best year yet.
Game Prediction
If the Lakers can keep Laura Drew off the score sheet it will be tough for the Red Dragons to win this one but with Oswego State struggling to convert chances this one will be close for the first 40 minutes. The Lakers finally play a full 60 minute game and put up 2 late third period goals to pull ahead and get their first ECAC West win of the year.
Lakers win 3-1
