Freshman Luke Krizman recorded a hat trick leading Oswego State to a 7-2 victory over SUNY Canton in the Lakers’ 2015 home opener on Wednesday at South Athletic Field.

Men’s lacrosse was looking for a much-needed win coming off a conference loss to SUNY Potsdam on Tuesday, which dropped the team’s conference record to 0-3.

“We came out a little slow, we didn’t get back ’til about 12 last night from up in Potsdam,” head coach Drew Bezek said.

With the win over SUNY Canton, Oswego State hopes to take the momentum into the three upcoming conference games remaining on the season schedule. The Lakers are looking to end a nearly two year long drought since their last SUNYAC win on April 20, 2013 vs. SUNY Oneonta.

Bezek talked about how the team never gave up early on despite a slow start. Oswego State began the game aggressively, but somewhat sloppy in their mechanics.

Laker sophomore goalie Wyatt Russo held his own between the pipes in 56:35 of action before being relieved in the final minutes by fellow sophomore Troy Calkin. Russo stopped six of seven shots faced. He kept the Kangaroos at bay while the Lakers got going on the offensive end after struggling in the first half.

The Kangaroos took an early 1-0 lead over the Lakers during a slow start to the first quarter. SUNY Canton continued to hold the small lead over Oswego State for the first eight minutes of the game. Krizman helped change the momentum as he tied the game up with his first goal on the day with 5:41 to play in the opening frame.

“Being the first home game it’s awesome leading the team in scoring, but I’m just glad I can contribute. It’s a team effort,” Krizman said.

Krizman’s goal was followed up by the lone goal just 1:16 into the second quarter by Kyle Wistner earning Oswego State a one-goal lead at the half.

The third quarter saw Oswego State put a game-high 16 shots on goal compared to SUNY Canton’s five in the period. The Lakers offense began to turn the tide and get into a rhythm. Junior midfielder Troy Crevier managed to score the lone goal with 10:20 to play in the quarter. Crevier’s goal proved to be the game-winning goal, despite having a whole fourth quarter still to play.

“It helps with a little bit of confidence getting this win today,” Bezek said. “We just need to play more consistently from here on out. I liked that we were able to gut it out after coming out flat in the first half.”

Oswego State opened up the final period with four straight goals in the opening six minutes to expand its lead. The 6-1 lead sustained until 3:04 to play in the quarter when the Kangaroos put a goal on the board up-a-man. Nick Giampaolo, the Lakers’ leading point scorer, added a goal late in the fourth.

Bezek attributed the early struggles to being tired from the previous contest the night before against SUNY Potsdam.

“We played a little bit better in the fourth quarter,” Bezek said. “We had a little bit of a penalty issue but that’ll happen, a loss of fundamentals when you’re tired. Hopefully the next two days we’ll be able to take some confidence from this game and get our bodies right. We’ll be ready to go against Plattsburgh on Saturday.”

Oswego State had seven penalties during the duration of the game resulting in various man down situations. This aspect of the game was emphasized by Bezek as a point of improvement going into SUNYAC play.

“This win definitely gets our guys hyped for Plattsburgh, we’re going to stick it to Plattsburgh on Saturday. Don’t worry. We’re looking to play sound defense and offense and get the W,” Krizman said.

The Lakers (6-5, 0-3 SUNYAC) host SUNY Plattsburgh (9-5, 2-2 SUNYAC) at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. as they return to SUNYAC play.