Oswego State has moved to a record of 3-2-1, after ending its matchup against SUNY Cortland with a tie. From the beginning of the first period, the Lakers seemed to have control of the game against the Red Dragons.

In the first period, the defenses for both teams got off to strong starts, as there were very few scoring chances in the first five minutes. That soon changed at 6:41 into the first, when Amber Thomas put the Lakers on the scoreboard first. Eryn Stewart was able to get a shot on net and Thomas was in front of the empty net to cash in by the crease. This was Thomas’ second straight game with a goal, and head coach Diane Dillon has been thrilled with what she has brought to Oswego State so far.

“She’s just a smart hockey player,” Dillon said. “She positions herself in such a way that she always has an opportunity to make a play. You watch her, and she’s got another gear. That kid is fast.”

For the rest of the first period, Oswego State was in complete control defensively, as SUNY Cortland went the first ten minutes of play without getting a shot on goal. Things started to get a little chippy in front of both nets, as skaters began to push and shove each other after the whistle. This stemmed from Rachael Farmer receiving unnecessary shots and contact.

“That stuff is part of the game, but we take exception when they make contact with our goalie,” Dillon said. “Cortland was really driving to the net hard, and we have no problem when our kids defend our goalie.”

Heading into the second period, Oswego State’s post-whistle contact went away, as the Lakers would skate away from Red Dragons who took extra pushes and shots after the whistle. In one instance, Emily Gustafson had a breakaway chance, and Chelsea Allain, SUNY Cortland’s starting goalie, pushed Gustafson after the whistle.

That discipline \ paid off for the Lakers, as they got an opportunity on the power play. Kate Randazzo converted for the Lakers, as she scored on a top shelf snipe from the top of the slot at 10:55 in the second. This is the second game in a row that the Lakers were able to score on the power play and Dillon sees this unit improving.

“They are comfortable with the schemes that we are running,” Dillon said. “We’re trying to keep things simple, and it’s an unselfish power play. We’re waiting for that opportunity to develop by constantly moving the puck and letting the penalty killers get tired.”

Heading into the third, the defensive battle between these teams continued, but Oswego State was able to find the back of the net at 9:27 into the third, as Gustafson was able to give the Lakers a three goal lead. 

This lead did not last long, as Emily Rose was able to get a goal past Farmer’s five hole at 12:07 into the period. 

It only took about three minutes for the Red Dragons to strike again, as they were able to take advantage on the power play at 15:54 in the third, as Emily King was able to put the puck in the back of the net. 

A little over a minute later at 17:16 into the third, Grace Schnorr was able to tie the game and force overtime.

However, neither team was able to score during the five minutes of play in overtime, resulting in a tie. Dillon sees this game as an opportunity to learn from this game.

“We’re either winners or learners,” Dillon said. “Couple mistakes, opportunities to clear the puck where we don’t, and we take a penalty that’s unfortunate. You have got to give it to Cortland.”

This was Oswego State’s first game of the season that went into overtime.

Oswego State will return to action at the Marano Campus Center on Friday, Nov. 22 as it will take on SUNY Canton. Puck is scheduled to drop at 7:00 pm. 

Photo By Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian