HOUGHTON, NY – What appeared to be a close-knit match between two evenly matched teams turned into a lopsided victory for the visiting SUNY Oswego Lakers, as they defeated the Houghton Highlanders, 5-0, on opening day at Burke Field. 
 
After playing to a 0-0 stalemate at the half, the Lakers scored three unanswered goals in the third quarter, and added two more in the final 15 minutes.
 
Both teams had multiple opportunities to score in the first 30 minutes, as Oswego pressed into the Houghton end, and the Highlanders consistently countered, creating opportunities behind the Lakers defense.  Houghton's Payton Bentley twice had near break-away opportunities only to be stymied once by an Oswego defender, and a second time by a sliding Laker goalkeeper.
 
Shortly after the half, Oswego finally wore down the Houghton defense as Kacie Simzer collected a rebound off the pads of Highlander goalie Sofia Gildemeister, and deposited the first goal of the game into the back of the cage.  While Houghton clung to the one-goal deficit for nearly another 12 minutes, eventually the Laker goals game in bunches, as Oswego deposited their final four goals over a nine minute span.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 0 | Oswego – 5
Records: Houghton: 0-1 | Oswego: 1-0
Venue: Burke Field | Attendance: 50


SCORING SUMMARY

31:51		Kacie Simzer (1) Assisted By: Alyssa DeMichael *Scored Off Rebound
43:17		Kaitlyn Mastracco (1) Took Ball At Midfield, Long Run Through
44:53		Emily Hunter (1) Chop Shot High, Deflected In By Houghton
51:33		Kaitlyn Mastracco (2) *Rocket From Top Of Circle
52:41		Eleanor Kazel (1) Assisted By: Jenna Rogers

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Lakers outshot the Highlanders, 24-5, and held a 10-5 advantage in corners
 
>> Sofia Gildemeister stopped six shots in the cage for Houghton, while Peyton Bentley collected three shots.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to Burke Field on Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. to take on the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs.  Houghton won the last matchup between the two teams, 5-1, on September 14, 2019.