The Oswego State women’s hockey team won its third game in a row, as the Lakers defeated Nazareth College by a score of 3-2.

The start of the first period did not go as planned for Oswego State, as the Golden FLyers scored a very early goal at 1:09 into the game. Abbey Luth was credited with the goal off of a deflection from a point shot by Gabriella DeMeo. This was not the start that head coach Diane Dillon wanted for her team.

“Nazareth came out with a lot of jump,” Dillon said. “We were surprised by their speed a little bit. We looked a little slow to start the first 10 minutes.”

As the first period continued, Nazareth College hemmed the Lakers in their own end. The only times they did get the puck out seemed to be for icings. Nazareth College also showed a great ability to pass the puck. Oswego State did begin to show some signs of life offensively, as its puck movement and shots on goal improved towards the end of the first period.

The second period was completely different for Oswego Statem, as Megan Teachout was able to tie the game early in the period at 3:27 on an unassisted goal right in front of Nazareth College’s net. Adding another goal to the terrific freshman season Teachout has been having for the Lakers, in which she leads the team in goals (11), assists (13) and points (24).

Oswego State continued to play very well, getting a lot of shots on goal very quickly and doing a better job moving the puck compared to the first period. This helped out goaltender Rachael Farmer, as her team’s improved play helped make her job easier in the second period. Dillon credits the energy the team brought into the second period to the teams improved play.

“Our second period was outstanding,” Dillon said. “We shut down a lot of Nazareth’s opportunities, outshot them, controlled the faceoff dots. We played with some more jump and energy.”

Things were not the same for the Golden Flyers, as they looked like a completely different team in the second period. By the halfway point of the second period, they only managed to get one shot on goal. Despite this, they were able to flip the script for the latter half of the period with four more shots. 

With about a minute and a half left in the second period at 18:27, Kyleigh Grugin was able to give the Lakers a one goal lead heading into the third period with assists from Morgan Shines and Sara Cruise. Dillon credits a lot of hard work to that second line that was able to score the second goal for the Lakers.

“That line battled all day long,” Dillon said. “They kept coming and Kyleigh was winning puck battles against bigger kids. That to me is heart and determination. We have kids that really grind.”

Oswego State continued its strong offensive play in the third period, as the team came out and took multiple shots on goal. Nazareth College took shots, as well but could not generate extended zone time.

Sophomore goaltender Adrianna Brehm was able to keep the game close for her team, as she made a couple of good saves, especially with her glove, to keep the Golden Flyers deficit to only one goal.

Brehm’s play in net was unable to contain the Lakers offense, as Avery Webster fired a shot from the top of the left circle past the blocker-side if Brehm at 10:38 to extent the Lakers’ lead to two goals.

“We’re doing a much better job of filling lanes and creating screens,” Dillon said. “Avery got her head up, saw that the kid was going to block the shot, went around her and found her spot. The goalie was down early and she made her pay.”

As the third period continued, Oswego State was able to keep its two goal lead, and it looked a win was in the bag, but the Golden Flyers had other plans. With a minute left in the game, Brehm was pulled in favor of an extra skater in a last chance effort to comeback. With :27 seconds left in the game, at 19:33 that strategy worked as Maria Di Cresce was able to cut the Lakers lead to one.

Despite the nail-biter of an ending, the Lakers strong forecheck and shot blocking kept their lead in tact, as they were able to end the afternoon with a 3-2 win. 

This afternoon’s win was Oswego State’s third in a row, and Dillon believes if her team can continue its strong play as of late, it can carry the momentum it has built for the remainder of the season.

“We’re thrilled with the win,” Dillon said. “Staying focused on the prize and doing the little things right. Just keep doing what we’re doing that’s starting to work for us. The kids will get some rest this week and take care of business down the stretch. I think we are in a really good spot right now.”

The Lakers next game will be this Friday night, as the team will travel to Buffalo to take on Buffalo State. Puck is scheduled to drop at 4:00p.m., where the Lakers will hope to get their fourth win in a row.

Photo by Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian