The Oswego State Lakers field hockey team took on the SUNY New Paltz Hawks on Oct. 20. In a crucial SUNYAC conference matchup, SUNY New Paltz came out victorious in a 5-3 victory.

The Lakers were down from the start of the game, allowing three goals throughout the first half. SUNY New Paltz were in full force, throwing eleven shots on goal at senior goaltender, Sarita Charap. Despite this, head coach Heather Moore thought her strategy was working.

“Really I thought that our strategy was working, they were just capitalizing on really small mistakes,” Moore said. “It was about tightening up on defense, and staying on your person. It was more about the little things.”

Oswego State’s offense wasn’t hidden, however. With nine shots on goal, the Hawks’ goaltender, Megan Gangwere, was able to make some incredible diving stops to preserve a first-half shutout.

“We gave her plenty of opportunities,” Moore said. “She made some really great saves.”

The Lakers defense was able to improve in the beginning of the second half, allowing one goal from Carly Croteau, her second of the game. Moore called a timeout to try to bring the momentum back.

“I can’t really remember what I said, because I was just trying to work through the logistics,” Moore said. “Having the ball, and pushing the ball forward are important. We just needed a quick second to get on the same page.”

After the timeout, the Lakers came back with three unanswered goals, to bring it to a one goal game. Monica Harvey, who had the second goal, had a hard laser-like shot from far away to bring the game within two.

After the third goal, with a little commotion up front, junior Lacey Woite came limping off the field with an apparent left ankle injury. According to Moore, she’ll be back for the Oct. 21 game against SUNY Oneonta.

“I think she rolled her ankle or something,” Moore said. “She looks fine for tomorrow as long as anything crazy doesn’t happen tonight.”

With 2:06 left in the game, SUNY New Paltz was able to score a buffer goal off a penalty corner to go up 5-3, which sealed the game for the Hawks. For now, the Lakers will look to take on SUNY Oneonta. The team has to win in order to have a chance at the SUNYAC Playoffs.

SUNY Oneonta is 12-3, after a loss to SUNY Cortland on Oct. 20. The Lakers, who are now 5-7, are playing their first back-to-back games. Moore is hoping they can rest up quick and get ready for the game on Saturday.

“Tonight, it was more about fixing the little things,” Moore said. “Tomorrow is senior day, the opportunity is there, and you have to do it.”