Oswego State women’s hockey is finding their rhythm after three straight wins. The season is trending in the right direction for the Lakers, especially after two straight wins against conference opponent SUNY Morrisville.

  The Lakers traveled to face the Mustangs on Feb. 2 with hopes of earning a conference win. They did just that as they went on to beat the Mustangs 3-1.

Ashlyn McGrath opened up the scoring in the game as she found the net early. McGrath was assisted by Rachel Corbett to make the score 1-0. 

Shortly after McGrath scored the opening goal, the Mustangs tied the game up on their power play. The first period of this game saw all of the action. After the Mustangs tied the game 1-1, Lizzie Burke scored an unassisted goal with five minutes left in the first period. 

  Oswego State freshman forward, Helen Vandamme, recorded her first goal of the season against the Mustangs. Vandamme scored with around 30 seconds left in the first period to make the score 3-1 in favor of Oswego. Vandamme’s goal inevitably won the game for the Lakers, as no other goals were scored during the game.

  Getting underclassmen quality ice time will be important for the Lakers, especially if they want to make a run in the SUNYAC playoffs. 

  On Feb. 3, Oswego State women’s hockey hosted the Mustangs and again won by a score of 3-1. 

This game started in the Mustangs favor. Mustangs forward, Hailee Easson scored in the first period of play putting the Mustangs up against the Lakers by a score of 1-0. 

After a scoreless second period for both teams, the Lakers were quick to score in the third period. Two minutes into the third period, Tessa Mucha netted her fifth goal of the season to equalize the score. 

The rest of the third period fell into the Lakers hands. Kensie Malone put the Lakers ahead of the Mustangs by a score of 2-1 after her goal on the power play. Malone was assisted by Ashlyn McGrath. 

Mack Hull put the game to bed after she scored to make the score 3-1 in favor of the Lakers. 

Hull is now tied with Ashlyn McGrath in leading points for the Lakers. Hull has an impressive 10 goals and seven assists through 21 games played. McGrath has similar numbers to Hull; McGrath has recorded 11 goals and six assists on the season in 21 games played. 

After two wins over their conference opponent, the Lakers’ women’s hockey team clinched a SUNYAC playoff spot. Oswego women’s hockey is currently in third place in the women’s hockey SUNYAC standings. Plattsburgh State and SUNY Cortland currently stand above the Lakers.

The Lakers will not have the opportunity to play against the Cardinals or the Red Dragons until playoffs come around. 

Up next for the Lakers are two home games against SUNY Canton. On Feb. 9 and 10, the Lakers will host Canton for Whiteout Weekend. Feb. 10 is Pride Night for the women’s hockey team. This weekend is important for the Lakers as they will try to move up in the SUNYAC standings. 

The atmosphere for the games this weekend will be energetic and lots of fun. Come support your Lakers women’s hockey team and help support the Pride Night game on Saturday. 

Photo by: Vanessa Choquette