One theme that has quickly emerged for the Cazenovia ice hockey team is its difficulty in keeping the opposition from finding the net.

During the Dec. 2-3 Bobby Conklin Memorial Tournament in Baldwinsville, the Lakers lost twice and gave up 19 goals to Syracuse and Fulton. Those struggles continued at Whitesboro Tuesday night during a 7-2 defeat to the Warriors.

Chase Cross tried to help Cazenovia along, netting a goal in each of the first two periods. Nate Morgan, Andrew Parkhurst and R.J. Smith each got credit for an assist.

Despite this, Cazenovia still trailed, 5-2, after two periods, and watched Whitesboro pull further away, led by Nick Welch, who poured in four of the Warriors’ seven goals. Jacob Hyer added a goal and two assists to overcome 21 saves by Lakers goalie Cameron Dye. Matt Kurdziolek and Declan Simmons had the other goals.

The loss dropped Cazenovia’s record to 1-3, but it’s still 1-1 in Division II’s National Conference going into next Tuesday’s home opener at the Morrisville State IcePlex against New Hartford. The Lakers are home again on Dec. 17 to take on Auburn.