Oswego State women’s ice hockey started off the season strong by defeating the Midget Aeros 3-1 in their first game of the season. This was the first loss the Aeros saw this season. They came into this game with a 14-0-3 record and on a 12-game win streak.

Even though the Lakers managed to control the puck for the majority of time in the first period, Aeros forward Cynthia White scored the first goal at the 9:10 mark.

Laker goalie Mikaela Ditonto kept her composure and made strong saves throughout the rest of the period and impressed after seeing limited time a season ago. 

“I made the saves I needed to make to bring out the win in the end,” Ditonto said. “That was my first start so I’m definitely excited to get this season going.”

The Lakers were quick to respond with a goal at the 10:30 mark from junior forward Laura Thacker with an assist coming from freshman forward Julieann White and Andrea Noss. White showed veteran-like patience as she drove wide and shoveled a backhand pass in front to Thacker. 

“We’re starting to play with new people so we’re starting to get chemistry,” Thacker said. “It’s good to get the first one and my line mates really helped out and I wouldn’t have gotten it without them.”

Going into the second period, Oswego State and the Aeros were tied 1-1. Freshman Jacquelin White scored her first collegiate goal, pushing the Lakers into a 2-1 lead. 

“Scoring definitely gave me more confidence for the future games,” White said. “It was a great feeling.”

Laker goalies switched midway through the second period. Freshman, Amber Samonek made a strong first collegiate appearance, posting a shutout during her time in net earlier today.   

The Lakers returned in the third period in full power mode. The Aeros tried to pick up momentum, but couldn’t seem to keep a hold on the puck. The Lakers were forcing turnovers all night and that resulted in numerous scoring chances. 

Erin Stewart scored the final goal for the Lakers at the 11:30 mark, sealing the Aeros fate with a 3-1 Lakers win. 

“We really prepared in terms of instituting our forecheck, our d-zone coverage,” head coach Diane Dillon said. “And getting that first game under our belt, I thought offensively we created a lot of chances.

According to Dillon, it was a great way to start the season. She believes it continued the momentum from last year with returning players and the win definitely eased any nerves the ten new freshman may have had. 

The Lakers’ next game is away facing off at New England College on October 28th at 7 p.m.