The Oswego State women's lacrosse team improved to 3-1 in the SUNYAC and 5-5 overall with an 8-6 victory over New Paltz on Tuesday afternoon at Laker Turf Stadium. It is the Lakers' best start to a conference slate since the 2005 squad opened at 3-1 before going through the league with a 6-1 mark.
Oswego and New Paltz traded the contest's first four goals, but the home team never trailed over the 60 minute tilt. Tied 2-2, the Lakers strung together three-straight goals to grab a lead it would not relinquish. The Hawks gave Oswego its best shot, scoring the last goal of the opening stanza and the first goal of the second half to pull to within a goal at 6-5. Oswego answered by tallying the game's next two goals to secure the triumph.
In net, Angela Ponto continued to impress, allowing just six goals while stopping 10 Hawks on-goal attempts.
Three Lakers finished with multiple-point outings on offense, paced by Teresa Shattuck's game-high four points on a balanced two goal, two assist performance. Junior Gemma O'Kane was also balanced with a goal and assist while Toni Laneve rounded out the trio of multiple-point scorers with a pair of goals, including the eventual game-winner. Oswego's other three tallies came from seniors Kelsey Henderson and Kendall Appelbaum along with freshman Montana Garrett. Each the teammates notched one goal.
For loose balls, Laneve scooped a team-high three ground balls while Zeina Akl, O'Kane and Marisa Engelbrecht each picked up two. Akl tied for a team-high two draw controls with Henderson.
At the defensive end, Danielle Walker (3) and Laneve (2) combined for five caused turnovers.
Oswego will host its final home game of the regular season at 4 p.m. on Friday when conference-foe Fredonia comes to campus. The Lakers will then close the season with a three-game road trip.
