WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes women's soccer team opened their season at Bruggeworth Field on Saturday afternoon, but the festivities were spoiled by Oswego State as the Colonels fell to the Lakers 2-1.

Oswego opened the scoring early as Katie Delgrosso tapped the ball into the back of the net after a save by first-year goalkeeper Delaney Yaracs (Butler, PA/Butler) at 1:56 to give the Lakers the early lead.

Wilkes grew into the game over the course of the first half registering six shots but couldn't find the back of the net. Wilkes' best chance of the first half came from a free kick as substitute Taylor Gollin (Springfield, NJ/Jonathan Dayton) nearly found the top left corner of the net in the 37^th minute. Four first half saves from Yaracs also helped keep the score 1-0 at halftime.

The Lakers struck again in the 63^rd minute as Erika Yancey put a cross by Delgrosso into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Less than ten minutes later, the Colonels opened their 2024 account as Madison Straub (Franklin, NJ/Franklin) headed home a beautiful ball from Sarah Eliff (Owings, MD/Northern) from a free kick to make it a 2-1 game.

A physical contest to the very end, Wilkes couldn't find an equalizer and ultimately fell to the Lakers. First year forward Addi Parker (Canton, PA/Canton) led the team with three shots off the bench, with two on goal, while Yaracs totaled five saves in her collegiate debut. Eight Colonels made their first appearances with four first years in the starting lineup.

Delgrosso was at the top of the stat chart for Oswego, leading the team in shots (3), and contributing the opening goal and an assist. Goalkeeper Perri Anderson made four saves.

The Colonels return to Bruggeworth Field for their next contest, a 7:00 p.m. matchup with William Patterson University on Wednesday, September 4.