The Oswego State field hockey team is looking to take what they have learned from the season thus far and adjust its style of play going into the final four games.
The Lakers are currently on a five-game losing streak, following their 6-1 win over Morrisville State. Pressuring three of the last five games to overtime, the Lakers are pushing for success down the stretch.
Having 17 out of 24 players being underclassmen, head coach Heather Moore has been very impressed with their ability to step up and adjust to the college level of play. Leading goal scorer and freshman Annie O’Neill has been a key component to the offensive lineup for the Lakers.
“She’s putting herself in really great positions, so that the passes are coming to her and she’s getting a great stick on them,” Moore said. “I hope she will continue to do that and continue to put them in the back of the cage.”
The Lakers are not exactly where they would like to be in terms of their record, but going into the second half of the season they are looking to pick up wins against their upcoming opponents. Oswego State showed off their impressive passing combinations and took highly ranked SUNY Cortland into overtime, which lit a fire in the Lakers.
“With passing, we generate some really good offensive opportunities, when we are smart with the ball and execute well on our skills, we can get more offensive opportunities,” senior Riley Mallet said. “I personally think that we can get some strong wins in the second half of the season.”
Freshman goalkeeper Erica Scheblein has adjusted well to the college level of play and has made a big impact for the Lakers. Scheblein has played a majority of the minutes in the cage this season and has provided the team with many key saves.
“With all the action I’ve been taking at the defensive end, I have been doing a pretty good job,” Scheblein said. “It will keep moving up as I go forward.”
Scheblein has also made an impact on her fellow players in her short time as a Laker. She provides her defenders with a confiedence knowing she is behind them to stop the ball if a shot is coming at her.
“I have always had full trust in her, I know how strong she is,” Mallet said. “It was great to see her [gain] so much confidence and be able to play this way, she adds so much to the [defense].”
With a strong defense at hand, the Lakers will look to shift the game forward and generate enough offense to outscore their opponents. Generating 12.6 shots per game, the Lakers strive to create more offensive opportunities over the next stretch of games. Passing will be a key part of the attack for Oswego State.
“[Passing] definitely provides more opportunity to get into the circle,” Moore said. “Getting into the circle, our main objectives are to get a shot or get a corner.”
They plan on using these offensive opportunities to their full advantage. The Lakers are looking to pull out a win in their next game against The College at Brockport, who they have beat in their last four matchups.
“If we keep playing like how we played against Cortland, I think we will have a pretty good chance against teams like Brockport and Geneseo,” Scheblein said.
Mallet’s final games are approaching, providing her with wisdom she would like to pass onto the team loaded with underclassmen. Her experience can provide them with confidence and drive the Lakers to success in the next stretch of games.
“If you ever feel like you’re getting down on yourself just take a second because you’ll get there, just keep trying hard,” Mallet said. “Always give 110% because when it’s over, it’s over.”
With the rest of the season approaching, the Lakers have one thing on their mind and that is success. Moore has encouraged her team to go into the next stretch of games with confidence.
“Playing as a unit, continuing to help each other be successful and going out there wanting to win and play their best,” Moore said.
Photo by Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian
