The Oswego State women’s ice hockey shutout SUNY Cortland in its home, and ECAC West, opener Friday night, at the Marano Campus Center Arena, 4-0.
The first period was aggressive and highlighted by the defensive play of both sides. The Red Dragons and Lakers had eight and seven shots, respectively, with only several truly threatening to put either side on the board. The Lakers ended the period with a slight advantage in terms of time on attack, but neither team held on to the puck for long.
Both teams had a power play in the first period, but could not capitalize on their opportunities. Oswego State junior goalie Tori Trovato proved to be the Lakers best penalty killer during sophomore Erika Truschke’s two-minute stay in the box for cross-checking to keep the game scoreless.
The style of play from both teams coming out of the first intermission was visibly more aggressive as more shots were put on net. While neither team was able to score for the first 10 minutes, the chances were there.
Then, halfway through the second frame the Lakers were able to break the game open with three goals in the span of four minutes. Truschke, freshman Lydia Cosgrove and sophomore Brennan Butler each potted a goal within the last 10 minutes of the period to give the Lakers a three-goal advantage heading to the final 20 minutes of play.
The time of possession on the offense made it much easier for the defense, as they only surrendered four shots the entire period.
Momentum for the Lakers carried over into the third period, as they scored 43 seconds in. Scoring was Rachel Lenard, assist from Andrea Noss who has been very impressive thus far in her freshman campaign.
Lenard’s goal marked the fourth in nine minutes for Oswego.
The rest of the game played out, and Oswego picked up their 2nd win of the season. Overall, the Lakers outshot the Red Dragons, 26-17, and only allowed nine shots in the final two periods.
