The Oswego State women’s hockey team took an early lead in the first period and never looked back, securing a 3-1 win against SUNY Canton in the opening game of White Out Weekend.

The Lakers, who improve to 4-1-1 ECAC West (7-2-1 overall) on the season, turned to their high-powered offense and solid goaltending to secure the victory over the Kangaroos (4-4-2).

The Lakers were aggressive right out of the gate, peppering 13 shots on goal and gaining a 1-0 advantage in the opening period.

Oswego State had several scoring chances, including a three-on-one opportunity in the 12th minute, but Canton goaltender Shayna Dominique thwarted all Laker attempts until late in the period, when freshman Ashley Lyman gave the home team a 1-0 lead.

Lyman found the puck in front of the net and sent it past Dominique, who finished with 32 saves, for the Laker goal with 2:11 remaining in the period. Erika Truschke was credited with an assist on the play.

Oswego State closed off the period strong and with a distinct advantage in shots on goal, outshooting Canton 14-3 in the period. That stems from the team’s ability to win faceoffs, as the Lakers won 12-of-16 in the period.

The Lakers added their second goal of the game in the first half of the second period when Bridget Hamlin scored a power play goal, her fourth goal of the season, at the 7:57 mark.

Kangaroo defender Olga Russell was called for roughing behind the Laker goal, putting Oswego State on the power play. After a barrage of shots from Hamlin, Leslie Jarvis and Mady Paul, Hamlin pushed the rebound past Dominique, giving the Lakers a 2-0 lead.

With a two-goal advantage, Oswego State continued its aggressive style of play, as the game became physical with two Canton skaters needing help off the ice after big hits.

However, Canton rebounded and reduced its deficit with 2:35 remaining in the period when Caroline Mundy scored after a scramble in front of the net. Following shots from Tia Mitchell and Oswego native Devyn Hutcheson, the puck became loose in front of Laker net minder Catherine Cote and Mundy beat Cote with a strong shot from the point.

Oswego State bounced back with 50 seconds remaining in the period after Melissa Seamont deflected a shot from the top of the zone from Jocelyn St. Clair. Seamont, waiting in the slot, re-aligned the shot, which hit a wide open net for her team-leading fifth goal of the season.

The Lakers took a 3-1 lead heading into the final period and kept momentum in their favor despite starting the period needing to kill a penalty. Cote and the Oswego State defense halted the Canton power play units and preserved the 3-1 lead through the final buzzer.

Oswego State goaltender Catherine Cote performed well in between the posts again and has solidified her position as the team’s No. 1 goalie, according to Dillon.

Despite the victory, Dillon said she would like to see her team improve on the power play today after going 1-8, including 0-5 in the third period.

The two teams will battle again tomorrow at the Campus Center Ice Arena, with the puck drop scheduled for 3 p.m. on Day Two of White Out Weekend.