The Oswego State men's lacrosse team secured its first SUNYAC victory of the season with a convincing 12-4 comeback win at Potsdam on Wednesday night at the Bears' Maxcy Turf Field. Oswego is now 1-2 in the league and 4-7 overall while Potsdam drops below .500 at 4-5 on the year and 1-2 in conference.
Neither team was able to score in the early going of the first quarter until Potsdam posted scores at 6:03 and 4:46 to lead 2-0. Oswego was able to even the game but would not score until the a little more than a minute into the second quarter. Two minutes later, the Lakers notched its second to even the game at 2-2. After the squads traded a goal apiece, Oswego's offense caught fire. In the final 3:31 of the first half, the Lakers found the back of the net four times for a 7-3 halftime advantage.
Oswego's defense took it from there, holding the Bears to just one goal in the final 30 minutes. Goalie Wyatt Russo was on point all evening, stopping 11 Potsdam shots. Freshman Harrison Levy played the game's final 4:52 in net and saved all three shots he faced. Teddy Phillips, Joe Noce and Ben Roberts all finished with one caused turnover in the defensive dominance.
Four Lakers had multiple-point efforts, headed by Pat Kenneally's four on two goals and two assists. Next in line was Bobby Emerson, as each of his three points came on scores. Sophomore Jarrod Wilkom tallied two goals and both just happened to come as the final two of the five-goal spurt to end the second quarter. Tyler Nason also had a two-point night, but his came on a goal and an assist.
Other Lakers with points were Mark Niechcial and Caleb Alford, each with one goal.
Oswego racked up possessions on the night as the faceoff specialists lost only five out of 20 attempts. Chase Izyk was 8-for-10 at the X while Kyle O'Connor had a 7-for-10 performance. Tim Garrett was crucial on several of those faceoff wins, sprinting in from the wing to scoop up a game-high six ground balls.
Oswego will look to carry the momentum into its next contest, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday as Oneonta comes to campus. Prior to the tilt, the Lakers will recognize their eight seniors for Senior Day.
