Oswego State improves to a record of 3-2 after defeating Buffalo State 6-2. The offensive onslaught came in the second and third period, a nice way to bounce back after getting swept by Plattsburgh State this past weekend.

Oswego State got off to a strong start in the first period thanks to an early goal by Morgan Shines, 41 seconds into the game. Shines’ second goal of the season was assisted by Eryn Stewart and Annika Neufeld-Kreider. This was followed by a first period where the Lakers were able to get 13 shots on goal.

“In every game, the more that we can work to get the first goal, it takes a little bit of pressure off of us,” associate head coach Mark Digby said. “Especially with a young team, just having a positive feeling can build confidence.”

The Lakers were able to keep the puck in the offensive zone for a majority of the first period but had trouble controlling the puck and turned it over a bit too much. This had a negative effect on the power play, as they were unable to convert and put the puck in the back of the net.

Buffalo State had an answer for the Lakers when Natasha Steinle tied the game at 9:43 in the first period. Steinle was assisted by Cheyenne Matson on the play. For the remainder of the period, it was a heavy defensive battle between the two teams even though the Lakers created plenty of opportunities offensively.

The second period was a different story for the Lakers offensively, as the team did a much better job at moving the puck and limited their turnovers compared to the first period. 

“They relaxed a little bit more,” head coach Diane Dillon said. “They realized they had more time and just settled into the second period by playing our game.”

The Lakers offensive improvement led to Amber Thomas scoring her first goal in a Lakers’ uniform at 5:30 into the second period. Thomas’ goal was assisted by Bailey Thomas and Kate Randazzo on the play.

Less than three minutes later at 8:27 into the second, Eryn Stewart was able to find Amber Thomas in front of the net. Skating behind the net with the puck, Stewart made a beautiful pass that lead to Thomas’ second goal of the game. 

Throughout the rest of the period, both teams found themselves in the penalty box. Oswego State’s penalty kill shined again, as it did not allow a power play goal. The high amount of penalties also led to four on four situations, where Digby saw a lot of good play from his team.

“I thought we controlled the puck really well,” Digby said. “We had really good movement. In all three zones they did a really nice job and worked to get pucks.”

In the third period, the floodgates opened for the Lakers offensively, as they were able to score three goals in the final twenty minutes of the game. Oswego State’s first goal came from Philomena Teggart at 7:21 into the third on the power play. Teggart’s team-leading third goal of the season was assisted by Amber Thomas and Kate Randazzo, who have both seen a lot of ice time during the power play so far this year. 

The next goal for Oswego State came from the Lakers captain Kate Randazzo at 12:21 in the third for her first goal of the season. Randazzo’s goal was assisted by Amber Thomas and Eryn Stewart.

The Lakers final goal of the night came just thirty seconds later at 12:51, as freshman Megan Teachout was able to find the back of the net after being set up by Amber Thomas and Eryn Stewart.

Rachael Farmer looked very solid in net all night and only allowed Buffalo State to score two goals. She played a huge role in the Lakers having such an important bounce back game. This is a very positive sign for the Lakers moving forward.

“She was consistent,” Digby said. “She made all the saves she should have made, and I was excited by how she performed.”

Oswego State’s next game is this Saturday at the Marano Campus Center against SUNY Cortland, where the Lakers will look to build on this win. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 pm.

Photo from The Oswegonian file photos from 2018