OSWEGO, NY- Sophomore Alyssa Drell (Mastic, NY/William Floyd) netted the game-winner just 1:34 into overtime as the Utica University women's lacrosse team came away with a thrilling 11-10 overtime victory over Oswego in the 2022 season-opener on Saturday.
 
Despite the home team scoring just 38 seconds into the game, it was Utica that took control, netting the next five scores.  The Pioneers tacked on three more goals to carry an 8-4 lead into the locker room at halftime. 
 
Oswego made it interesting as it scored five of the next six goals to even the score at 9-9 with 4:33 remaining in regulation.  The Lakers took their first lead since the opening minute at 2:20 when Shae McConnell buried a free position shot to make the score 10-9 in favor of the hosts.  It was short-lived however as Utica netted the equalizer just 28 seconds later as Lexi Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) scored on a free position.
 
Neither team was able to net the deciding tally resulting in the extra frame.  After a short discussion by the officials, Drell's tally was confirmed, sending the Pioneers home happy.
 
Senior Emily Rossi (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) led the way with four points on the day (three goals, one assist), while Scaccia had three scores of her own.  Addison Green (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) had two goals, while Drell added an assist to her stat line.  Sophomores Mara Cunningham (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) and Devin Ryan (Orchard Park, NY/Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart) each added one goal to their credit. 
 
Scaccia had a team-high five draw controls, while Cunningham chipped in with three and a team-leading four ground balls.
 
Senior Claire Frier (Lafayette, NY/Lafayette) finished with 13 saves in the win, while her counterpart, Sarah Kamide made nine saves.
 
The Pioneers return home on Wednesday to host Plattsburgh State in their home opener.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.