Fueled by their loss against SUNY Canton the day before, the Lakers went up early in their game versus SUNY Potsdam and were able to control the game throughout as the Lakers won 5-0.
It was an uplifting game according to Oswego State head coach Mark Digby.
“It was a bounce-back game for us. Coming off a game like Friday night where overall we played pretty well and just struggled to finish,” Digby said. “When you play against a team who shut you out last time you played them, it’s just getting that first goal to fall, it means the world.”
It was also a premier game for the Lakers as said by Coach Digby, “I think being able to play teams back to back and not score a goal and then go into the next game and find a way early on to get one I thought it just immediately changed the whole demeanor of the bench,” Digby said. “We settled in and played one of the best 60 minute games we’ve played all year.”
The first period started and the Lakers wasted no time scoring. The first goal came from Simone Bednarik, making it her sixth on the season. She scored just over the seven minute mark, assisted by Kensie Malone and Rylee Preston. The second goal came from Ariella Haas, which gave her the third goal of her season, the goal was scored 12 minutes into the period. This was assisted by Lizzie Burke and Bednarik. Goalie Lexi Levy recorded four saves in the first period.
Just after the second period began, the Bears were assessed with a major penalty and the Lakers were able to capitalize on it with a second score from Haas. The goal was assisted by Bednarik and Amanda Zeinstein.
Then just about a minute later the Lakers scored again, this one by Zeinstein. She was assisted by Haas and Mack Hull. Heading into the final period, the Lakers led the Bears by four. Levy recorded 11 saves in the second period, bringing her total to 15.
There was a lot of back-and-forth action in the final period but 14 minutes into the final period Rachel Corbett scored the final goal for the Lakers. The score was assisted by Kyleigh Grugin and Zenstein.
There were plenty of high-praise players for Coach Digby, “I thought a lot of people stood out on Saturday,” said Digby. “I thought Rylee Preston played really well…obviously Simone, Ariella and Amanda all scored and it’s nice to get them rolling. I thought Kensie Malone played one of the better games of her season, Tessa Mucha as well, she’s finally getting herself back to playing the way she’s capable of.”
Lexi Levy pitched a shutout in the net, racking up eight more saves in the third, giving her 23 on the day.
“It was a really big team effort after that loss on Friday,” Levy said. “I think we all bounced back and we were able to perform together and really connect.”
Ariella Haas led the day with two goals, also racking up one assist in the process. Haas explained that was a building block game for the Lakers.
“It was one of the best games we’ve played all season, things were clicking for us…we took a lot from the loss the day before and we learned from that and brought it into the game the next day,” Haas said.
There are plenty of storylines going into next week against SUNY Cortland but Haas knows the focus is going to be week-to-week.
“I think we just need to focus on the game in and of itself, obviously it will be a good preview going into the playoffs but we definitely need to focus on the weekend first,” Haas said.
Heading into the next match up, Digby has his focus on improving the team in areas that have been underperforming.
“Just keep trying to progress the way that we are, I know that it’s weird with only two games left in the regular season but I think that we’ve had such a rollercoaster at times,” Digby said. “Just trying to get ourselves back into the play that we’re capable of…we have to get back to that faceless opponent mentality, I think when we play that way we are pretty effective.”
The Lakers will return home for their annual Pride Night game as they take on SUNY Cortland on Feb. 10. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Photo via: Oswego Athletics
