Oswego State dropped its third straight game on Friday night against Hamilton College. The loss also represented the first road loss of the season for the Lakers. The team is looking for answers offensively, as they have only scored three goals in their last two games.

This afternoon the Lakers are in Amherst, Massachusetts, to take on Amherst College. This will be the last game the Lakers play before a month-long break. The two teams have met twice before in 2011 and 2012 with Amherst getting the win in both games. The Lakers will look to end their three-game skid before break.

Last Time Out

Oswego State

The Lakers dropped a 3-1 game against Hamilton College. Oswego State got on the board first with a second period goal from Eryn Stewart but then allowed three unanswered goals. The Lakers offense has struggled as of late and this was no different last night. They were outshot 39-17 on the night. Freshman Cassie Shokar played the entire game for the Lakers and made 36 saves on the 39 shots she faced, including 22 in the first period alone. The Lakers went on the power play four times in the final period but were unable to score on any of those chances. They are now 5-3-1 on the season after a 5-0-1 start.

Amherst College

The Mammoths lost a tight 2-1 game to No. 3/3 Elmira College last night. Mia DelRossa notched a first-period goal to put Amherst College up 1-0, but Elmira was able to tie the game in the second and win it in the third period. Caitlin Walker had 36 saves on 38 shots in net for Amherst College. The Mammoths are now 2-3-1 on the year and are on a two-game losing streak.

By The Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 5-3-1 (3-2-1)

AMH: 2-3-1 (1-2-1)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 24 (2.7)

AMH: 13 (2.17)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 309 (34.3)

AMH: 158 (26.3)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 2-37 (5.4%)

AMH: 2-16 (12.5%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

The Lakers have to find something on the offensive end. Three goals in the past two games is not going to cut it. The good news is their defense and goaltending has been solid. Now it is about creating something on the offensive end. Maybe it starts with the power play unit which has only scored on a woeful 5.4 percent of chances. Since the offensive clinic the Lakers put on the first weekend with the 15 goals, they have only scored nine goals.

Amherst College

Amherst College will look to lean on their seniors this afternoon. Seniors Jocelyn Hunyadi (six points), Jamie McNamara (five points), and Katelyn Pantera (four points) lead the team in scoring. The Mammoths will need to rely on these three to lead them to a victory at home.

Players to Watch

OSW: Eryn Stewart

Stewart leads the Lakers in goals (4), is tied for first in assists (4) and leads the team in points (8). She has been a huge difference maker for Oswego State on offense. Stewart scored the only goal for the Lakers last night and she will have to keep that going this afternoon.

AMH: Katie Savage

Savage is another senior leader for the Mammoths. However, she has been unable to get it going this year. In six games, Savage has only managed one goal and one total point. In her career at Amherst College, Savage has 48 career points. Amherst has not gotten off to a great start, and contributions from Savage would help them down the line.

Final Thoughts

Once again, another streak has to end tonight. Oswego State has dropped three straight, while Amherst College has lost two in a row. Legally, someone has to win tonight or it could end in a tie.

Amherst College is a historically great women’s hockey program. They won national championships in 2009 and 2010. But this is a much different team. The Mammoths are 2-3-1 overall and 1-3-1 at home. Last night was a tough test for Amherst College, but they fought hard against the No. 3 team in the nation. But this is a winnable game for the Lakers.

It will be another low scoring affair this afternoon. Neither team lights up the scoreboard and both teams pride themselves on a great defense. Look for head coach Diane Dillon to rally the Lakers to a close win before winter break.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian