The Oswego State women’s basketball team traveled to Canton to open up their 2024-25 season against the St. Lawrence University Saints on Nov. 8. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they would come up short with a final score of 62-44.

Despite what the final score may say, the beginning of this contest saw both teams going back-and-forth. While the Saints were able to score off of a few made three-pointers, the Lakers were able to counter with multiple points in the paint coming from Macey DeOrdio. Eventually, after a few defensive stops, the Lakers came out of the first quarter with a 17-13 lead.

The same story was being told in the second quarter, with both teams playing strong defense and not letting each other go on any type of run. However, with eight minutes left in the quarter, Julie Tanenblatt gave the Lakers their biggest lead of the game with a made three-pointer, making the score 20-15.

After a few missed shot attempts from the Lakers, the Saints were able to go on a run and tie the game up. Then, with just eight seconds left, the Saints drained a three-pointer, giving them a 30-27 lead going into halftime.

Although the Lakers were struggling at the three-point line, shooting just 1/9 in the first half, they were able to keep this game close going into the half by dominating the paint, outscoring the Saints 12-8.

Down by three entering the second half, the Lakers hope to regain their lead. However, it was at this point that the Saints had started heating up. Despite best efforts, the Saints were able to gain momentum off of a quick three-pointer and were able to outscore the Lakers 15-10 in the third, making the score 45-37 going into the final quarter.

The Lakers needed a major momentum shift going into fourth in order to have a chance at a potential comeback. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive play style from the Saints, they were unable to generate any consistent run, as the Lakers were struggling to get any shots to fall. In the first five minutes, the Lakers were only able to score one point off of a free throw, while the Saints started running away with the game, scoring seven points in that same time.

The offensive struggles continued throughout the rest of the quarter for the Lakers, going 2-17 from the field and 0-5 from three in the quarter. Despite last-second efforts with a 6-0 run towards the end, it was not enough and the Lakers ultimately fell to the Saints with a final score of 62-44.

Giavanna White-Principio played a great game for the Lakers, ending with a double-double while also leading the team in both points and rebounds(11 and 13). Despite what the final score may say, the Lakers’ defense also played well, with five different players recording a steal.

The Lakers now look forward to hosting their first game at home against SUNY Poly, which will also be the start of the Max Ziel Tournament. The game is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Photo by: Oswego Athletics