The Oswego State men’s lacrosse team closed out their regular season with a win versus SUNY Canton, but was not able to beat Oneonta in their home playoff matchup. The final score was 15-9, with Emmett Starowizc and Hayden Coney both registering hat tricks on the day. The win gave the Lakers their first home playoff matchup in program history, a milestone worth celebrating.

The Lakers faced the Oneonta Red Dragons for the second time this season in the playoff matchup, with the thrilling last-second victory for the Lakers in the regular season looming over the Red Dragons. The game began with two straight goals scored by Oneonta’s Jamie O’Neil, which was soon answered by Oswego’s Garrett Elston to make the score 2-1 early into the first quarter. After a few saves by Lakers’ Seamus Hand, O’Neil was able to bury another one into the back of the net to give Oneonta a 3-1 lead at the end of the first. The second quarter was opened up by another Oneonta goal, but leading scorer Corey O’Connor answered the call 30 seconds later for the Lakers to make the score 4-2. After controlling much of the possession in the second quarter, O’Neil was able to bury another one past Hand with six minutes remaining. Heading into the half, Gavin Elston narrowed the deficit for the Lakers to make the score 5-3 at half. 

The first half of the third quarter was dominated by the Red Dragon offense who were able to score three straight goals. Coming out of a timeout, the Lakers answered with four goals of their own to make it a one goal game. All four goals came off of assertive dodges to the net, followed by precise ball placement past Oneonta goalie Mark Restivo. 

Gavin Elston scored two, while Garrett Elston and Coney each contributed one goal to close out the third quarter. Oneonta opened up the final quarter of play with a quick goal, but Coney answered yet again with his second of the game. 

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they would be shut out the rest of the game and Oneonta would score three unanswered goals. The Oneonta Red Dragons will move on to face Cortland in the SUNYAC championship. While the Lakers’ season has come to a close, the organization has had a successful season to look back on and a bright future to look forward to.

Photo by: Oswego Athletics