Lady Lions forced on the defensive in loss at SUNY-ESF

Syracuse, Ny. - The SUNY-ESF Mighty Oaks had the Lady Lions on the defensive from the opening whistle, racking up six first half goals en route to a comfortable win over Hazleton in upstate New York. The Oaks offense outmatched the Lady Lions, notching 39 total shots on goal to just three for Hazleton. Sophomore Katie Oldziejewskie (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) got the Lions on the board in the second period, but Hazleton was unable to rally against the talented home team, falling to SUNY-ESF by the final score of 7-1.

First Half

The Mighty Oaks tallied two quick goals in the first six minutes of play, then bookended the half with a flurry of shots, netting four goals in the final 14 minutes of the period to open up a comfortable lead over Hazleton. SUNY's formidable attack stunned a solid Lions defense that has allowed just six total scores through their first four games prior to Tuesday's matchup.

Second Half

Hazleton lost the time of possession battle, but in the 76th minute sophomore Jenna Semmel (Burlington, Nj.) dished a long pass to Oldziejewskie deep in opponent territory. The sophomore forward turned, chipping the ball from the top of the 18 up over the Mighty Oak's netminder to score Hazleton's lone score of the night. SUNY-ESF responded in the 83rd minute, pushing their lead back to six on a goal from Shannon Gordinier, her second tally and final score of the game.

Top Performers

SUNY-ESF was led by Gordinier who finished the contest with a pair of goals and one assist. Heather Carl contributed two first half assists and one score to round out the top offensive efforts for the Oaks.

Hazleton sophomore goaltender Julianne Ernest (Danville, Pa.) faced a bevy of shot attempts, coming up with 32 saves on the night. Oldziejewskie tallied two of Hazleton's three shots on goal, netting the lone score in the second half.

Next Up

Hazleton will next take the field against one of the top teams in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. The Lady Lions will travel to Penn State Brandywine on Thursday, September 29 with kickoff beginning at 4:00 p.m.