Some wild September weather forced the Cazenovia field hockey team to the sidelines, as the Sept. 8 game at Rome Free Academy got postponed, to be made up on Oct. 9, exactly a month later.

Thus, when the Lakers visited Cato-Meridian last Tuesday afternoon, it had not played for a week, and was eager to show off its attack – which it did, pummeling the Blue Devils 9-0.

More than doubling the production of its 4-0 season-opening win over Weedsport on Sept. 4, Cazenovia had a tremendous first half, zooming to a 7-0 lead. This allowed the Lakers to use everyone on the roster by the time the game was done.

Rachel McLaughlin earned her first varsity hat trick, finding the net three times. Jessy Silfer chimed in with two goals, while Emily Willard and Sarah Willard each had a goal and two assists. Maggie Carpenter and Hannah Light-Olsen also scored as Rachel Nourse contributed an assist.

Back home Friday to face Port Byron, the Lakers hoped to be just as potent, but offense proved a lot more elusive during a 2-0 victory over the Panthers.

Despite the fact that Cazenovia dominated the first half, it remained 0-0, Port Byron putting up a strong defensive stand and getting terrific work from goalie Amanda Lupo, who finished with 10 saves.

But the Lakers’ patience was rewarded in the second half as Nourse and Colleen Stalder stepped up for goals, each of them assisted by Emily Willard as Carpenter also picked up an assist.

With a 3-0 mark, Cazenovia puts its long Onondaga High School League win streak (82 and counting) on the line Wednesday night at East Syracuse-Minoa before meeting Homer Friday at the Burton Street field.