OSWEGO, N.Y.—Oswego State (10-11-3, 5-9-2 NEWHL) scored three second period goals to defeat the SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (8-12-3, 5-7-2) 4-1 on Friday night. Senior captain Rylie Murray (Berkley, Mich./Honeybaked) scored for the Bears and sophomore goaltender Samantha White (Oceanside, Calif./Anaheim Lady Ducks) made 21 stops.
 
The Lakers outshot Potsdam 13-4 in the first period, thanks in part to an unsuccessful power play. Top quality scoring chances were more even. Senior forward Tatum Walber (Orchard Park, N.Y./Buffalo Regals) narrowly missed a goal on a 2-on-1 break midway through the period. Oswego turned up the pressure late, but couldn't solve White and there was no score after 20 minutes.
 
The Lakers struck just 23 seconds into the second period. Sara Cruise broke free on the left wing side of the ice, went in all alone and backhanded the puck over White's right shoulder. The Bears went on a 27-second 5-on-3 power play at 16:58, but were unable to take advantage. At 13:42, Eryn Stewart made the most of another breakaway to make it a 2-0 game. Katelynn Ferguson poked home a rebound at 10:40 to increase the lead to three.
 
The third period was more evenly played, with the defenses and goalies controlling the play. With nearly four minutes left, the Bears went on their third man advantage of the contest. At 16:28, Murray scored on a blast from the point that sailed over the head of Lakers goalie Rachael Farmer. Junior defenseman Delphine Léonard (Anjou, Quebec/Dawson College Prep) assisted on the goal. With 1:36 left, Potsdam called timeout and pulled White for an extra attacker. However, Oswego sealed the win with an empty-net goal from Leah Czerwinski 18 seconds later.
 
Farmer made 18 saves for the victory. Oswego was 0-for-2 on the power play and the Bears finished 1-for-3.
 
The teams meet again tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Potsdam with a home playoff game on the line.