CENTRAL NEW YORK – Even with all the improvement it has shown in the course of the 2024 season the Cazenovia field hockey team still has plenty of room with which to still grow, and time to do so.

This was evident last Monday night at Port Byron/Union Springs where the Lakers where a slow start ended up proving costly in a 3-1 defeat to the Panthers.

Having lost 4-0 when these two teams met two weeks earlier, Cazenovia managed to play PB/US to a first-half scoreless draw, its defense severely limiting shot opportunities.

However, the Panthers did go in front 1-0 in the third quarter and pulled away in the final 15 minutes despite Bridget Stromer-Galley getting on the board for the Lakers. Raelee McDowell led the way for PB/US, scoring twice and assisting on her team’s other goal by Cameryn Brundage.

Back at the Upper Turf field two days later, Cazenovia again tried to avenge an early-season loss, this time to Homer, but again was turned back, the Trojans prevailing 3-1.

Homer converted twice in the second quarter, which proved the difference. Otherwise, the Lakers most kept its quiet and got a fourth-quarter goal from Carlysle Ducey assisted by Hayden Bubble.

Rae Western finished with five saves, yet saw Homer use goals by Maggie Tucker, Mallory Kline and Dahlia Curry to get in front and stay there.

Then, against Central Valley Academy on Saturday afternoon, the Lakers found itself pushed into overtime, but responding well to defeat the Thunder 2-1.

Both teams scored in the opening period – Ducey for the Lakers assisted by Bubble, Gabrielle Grounds for CVA off a feed from Tria Rowland.

Defenses took over the rest of regulation, leading to a seven-on-seven OT period. There, after a series of attempts didn’t work, Stromer-Galley fired the game-winner past Thunder goalie Reese Judd.

Games this week against Cato-Meridian and Fayetteville-Manlius conclude the Lakers’ regular season.