Making a big move toward the top of the Division II West standings, the Skaneateles ice hockey team fought through a fierce battle Saturday at first-place Cortland/Homer before earning a 1-0 victory.

A defeat to Fulton two weeks earlier left the Lakers behind Cortland/Homer in the standings going into 2010. On the other hand, Skaneateles was refreshed by a long holiday break, while the Eagles had played through its own tournament earlier in the week.

Right from the start, the defenses took hold. They went through a scoreless first period, then a scoreless third period, each side getting a fair share of chances, but converting nothing.

And while Skaneateles goaltender Trevor Diamond finished with 23 saves and a shutout, Cortland/Homer goalie Chris Broyles, who had 21 saves, buckled just once.

On yet another attack in the second period, the Lakers broke through with the game’s lone goal, Packy Jones scoring off a feed from Dylan VanHoltz. It would hold up the rest of the way.

The confident Lakers are back home this week, first for Wednesday’s game against Ontario Bay, then for the Duke Schneider Tournament on Friday and Saturday.