Last Time Out

The Oswego State Lakers women’s ice hockey team came off a tough weekend against No. 2/2 Plattsburgh State Cardinals. Both games, the Lakers were shutout, losing 4-0 at the Cardinals’ rink. A notable injury came on the Saturday game, where senior Mariah Madrigal went down with a leg injury; she was reported to be seen on crutches the next day. Amber Samonek, in her first game of the year, and first start of the season on Sunday, replaced Madrigal. Olivia Ellis led the team with 11 shots.

The Williams College women’s ice hockey team is also coming off back-to-back losses from Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 against Hamilton College. The lost 6-2 and 2-1, respectively over the weekend against Hamilton College. Three different players scored over the weekend for Williams College.

Looking at the Ephs

The Williams College program has five seniors this season, with only two scoring a point so far this season, Emily Eide and Alex Lovaas have a goal and an assist, respectively. Goaltending has been a little rough for the Ephs, both losses. Marissa Anderson, in her first game, allowed six goals on 21 shots before being replaced by her team.

It’s still an early season for head coach Meghan Gillis, who is in her seventh year of coaching at Williams College. She’s assisted by first-year assistant coach Jordan Lipson, who also graduated from Plattsburgh State. This is only the third game for the Ephs of the regular season.

Lakers vs. Williams College History

The Lakers and Ephs have only played four times since the 2015-2016 season. The Lakers lead the two teams with a record of 3-0-1. In the 2015-2016 season, the two had a back-to-back matchup in Oswego, while in the 2016-2017 season, and this year, the games are in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

This will be the first of only two meetings between the two teams this season. Williams College is not in the Northeastern Women’s Hockey League.

Player Spotlight:

OSW: Olivia Ellis

While Olivia Ellis was not able to come away with any points from the weekend against Plattsburgh State, she has made her presence known in the games that were at Oswego. Ellis led the team in shots during the course of the Plattsburgh State weekend, with 11 shots. Ellis, with all of these shots and confidence seen in previous games, might have a breakout game to bring momentum after Thanksgiving break.

WIL: Avery Dunn

Freshman Avery Dunn leads the team in points, early into the season. While it is hard to tell whether or not she will be a big name to watch, she has proven she is strong playmaker with two assists. She will be trying to lead her team to their first victory of the season, after the two losses against Hamilton College.

By the Numbers

RECORD (vs. each other)

OSW: 3-4-0 (3-0-1)

WIL: 0-2-0 (0-3-1)

SHOTS (per game)

OSW: 215 (30.7)

WIL: 73 (36.5)

GOALS (per game)

OSW: 13 (1.9)

WIL: 3 (1.5)

POWER PLAY (percentage)

OSW: 5-33 (15.2%)

WIL: 0-4 (0%)

Prediction

It is hard to tell what team Williams College is like, since it is so early in their season, despite being after Thanksgiving. The Lakers will also be trying to bounce back after three straight losses, with a grudge-match loss to Buffalo State and rough weekend against Plattsburgh State. It will also be their opportunity to reach a .500 record again.

However, it is unsure if Mariah Madrigal will be in the net for the Lakers after her injury against the Cardinals. This will give head coach Diane Dillon a good sense of where her team is for next season, when Madrigal graduates. It will be between Amber Samonek and Mikaela Ditonto for the starting nod.

Given the history of the Lakers and Ephs, Oswego State will be trying to get another win against Williams College, and return to Oswego in early December with at least four wins.

Lakers win 4-1.