The Oswego State women`s lacrosse team extended its win streak to four games with a 9-8 victory over SUNY Canton in its home-opener. Oswego's win improves its mark to 5-1 on the season, which is the program's best start since the 2002 team opened 5-1. With the loss, Canton falls to 2-4 on the year.
Emily Lange secured the triumph for the Lakers with the game-winning goal with just 3:13 remaining in the contest. With the teams knotted at 8-8, Erannan Shattuck earned a free-position opportunity and when the whistle sounded, Shattuck pulled back and found Lange for the goal.
Early in the contest, Oswego set the pace, jumping out to a 6-2 advantage. Canton was able to withstand the Lakers' surge, cutting the lead to 7-5 at half. The Kangaroos narrowed the edge to one early in the second half at 7-6 before Shattuck and Lange combined again for a score, this time with Lange distributing the assist.
Canton would again pressure the Lakers with two-straight goals to even the contest at 8-8, but Lange's goal combined with solid defense and goaltending down the stretch helped Oswego outlast its opponent.
Shattuck and Lange each finished with five points, as Lange led the scoring with three while Shattuck paced the team with three helpers. Esther Gabriel contributed three points on the afternoon, scoring twice while assisting on another score. Kelsey Henderson rounded out the scoring for the Lakers, notching two goals in the first half.
Nikki Greco earned her fifth win between the pipes with a strong effort, stopping 13 shots while allowing just eight goals. The senior had a team-high five ground balls and was also tied for the team lead with three caused turnovers along with Melissa Bulman.
Oswego returns to action at 1 p.m. on Saturday when its opens its SUNYAC schedule with a home game against Fredonia.
