OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Wilkes University field hockey team kicked off their season in the win column, defeating the Oswego State Lakers 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Laker Turf Stadium.

This marks the third consecutive season-opening victory for the Colonels against Oswego under head coach Ashley Irwin since her hire in 2023.

Morgan Hermanofski (Shickshinny, PA/Northwest Area) opened the scoring for the Colonels in the first quarter, finding the back of the cage at 9:47. First year Maddie Karp (Pittston, PA/Pittston Area) picked up her first career assist on the goal.

The Colonels out-shot the Lakers 9-4 in the first half, but the contest remained a one-goal affair until the fourth quarter, where Karp notched her first career goal early in the frame at 48:53.

Wilkes held onto their lead through two late Laker penalty corners and took a shutout victory in their opening game.

Karp led the Colonels with two goal contributions and six shots on goal in her maiden collegiate contest. Fellow first year Lydia Keppel (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) followed with five total shots, putting three on goal. In goal, Chloe Gilroy (Manchester, NH/Pace University) made four saves and got the win in her first game as a Colonel.

Wilkes out-shot Oswego 19-6, winning the on-goal battle as well 14-4. Wilkes also had more penalty corners in the game 8-6.

The Colonels return home for their next contest, a first-time matchup with Alfred University on Wednesday, September 3 at 4:30 p.m.