Lakers split two game stretch, look to rebound in regular season finale

Coming off a 2-1 overtime win against SUNY Morrisville, the Oswego State field hockey team was unable to generate offense against the University of Rochester, falling in a 4-0 shutout loss to the University of Rochester on Tuesday. 

The Lakers entered the matchup with a 6-9 overall record, pairing it with a 1-2 mark in SUNYAC play. Rochester on the other hand, came into the game 10-6 overall and 3-3 in Liberty League play, having defeated Oswego each of the previous 13 meetings between the teams. 

Oswego looked to carry momentum into the matchup after earning a gritty 2-1 overtime victory over the Morrisville Mustangs on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Lakers secured their third overtime win of the season when Sophia Prianti scored in the 65th minute off an assist from Carly King. 

The team opened that game with an early conversion from Layla Sharp, who fired a lethally-quick shot on after receiving a penalty corner. After Morrisville tied the game in the second quarter, both teams remained scoreless through the end of regulation. The Lakers continued to create opportunities in overtime, inching within striking distance before Prianti found herself in open space and sniped a shot past opposing goalkeeper Emmaly Noeller. 

Oswego created opportunities throughout the matchup, particularly in the third quarter, when the Lakers recorded four shots and earned two penalty corners. Sophia Prianti forced a save from Morrisville goalkeeper Emmaly Noeller, while Julia Unger had a shot blocked following another Oswego penalty corner. 

Despite the pressure, neither team found the net in the third or fourth quarter, sending the game into overtime tied at 1-1. Goalkeeper Sam Krautheim also played an important role in the victory, making key saves to keep Morrisville from taking the lead. She had two saves in both the first and second quarters and made two more during Morrisville’s offensive push in the fourth, keeping the Mustangs at bay before extending the game. 

Against Rochester however, the Lakers struggled to find the same offensive rhythm. The Yellowjackets controlled much of the opening quarter, earning five penalty corners and five shots on goal. Oswego was unable to register a shot on goal while taking five fouls. Despite the pressure, the Laker defense kept the game scoreless through the first 15 minutes. 

Both teams continued to defend well in the second quarter, keeping the score 0-0 entering halftime. Oswego earned one penalty corner, while Rochester added three more. The Lakers struggled to advance beyond the 23 meter line, limiting their offensive opportunities. 

The game shifted in Rochester’s favor during the third quarter. Erin Foley opened the scoring off an assist from Hanah Mehta, who later assisted Molly Newbold’s goal to give Rodchester a 2-0 lead. 

Rochester added two more goals in the fourth quarter to complete the shutout. Kristina Fedorova scored on a penalty corner with an assist from Sophia Cuneo before Reiley Murphy found the back of the net off assists from Samantha Jacobia and Maya Ullrich. 

The Yellowjackets finished with seven shots on goal in the final quarter and five penalty corners. Oswego failed to get a shot on goal the entire game. Goalkeeper Sam Krautheim faced sustained pressure throughout the whole game. 

The loss leaves the Lakers at 6-10 overall as they turn their attention to their final regular-season game, where they will play host to SUNY Oneonta on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. The Red Dragons enter the game with an 8-7 record after an overtime loss to SUNY New Paltz.