By Yaneek Smith

Special to the Sentinel-Tribune

OAK HARBOR — Despite being ahead by two goals late in the second half, things got interesting and stressful for Lake in its matchup with Oak Harbor on Wednesday night.

But the Flyers, paced by three first-half goals, hung on for a 3-1 victory over the Rockets in a physical match in Northern Buckeye Conference action.

Senior forward Travis Merrill, who nearly had a hat trick, scored less than six minutes into the match, converting at 34:49 to give Lake (3-0-1, 2-0 NBC) the lead for good at 1-0.

Merrill scored again at 8:45, putting a slick move on Oak Harbor goalkeeper Collin Biehler about 25 feet in front of the net before briefly coasting and finishing with the goal.

Less than three minutes later at 5:50, senior midfielder Greyson Reed scored the final Flyer goal.

Merril had a chance to score his third goal midway through the second half, but his shot was deflected at the last second.

Lake coach Brian Reed says it’s nice for Lake to get an early victory against a good team in league play.

“I thought we started out pretty strong, we had three goals on three assists, (but) then we slowed down,” said Reed. “We had a miscommunication on their goal, but overall, I thought we played pretty well. Those were big goals by Travis and Greyson.”

The lone Rocket goal came when Fulton Krupp scored with 20:55 left in the second half.

Oak Harbor had its share of opportunities in the first half and nearly scored twice in the game’s final 10 minutes, but the Rockets were unable to convert.

“We were a little concerned. We tied them last year. I know they’re a year older,” said Reed. “They have some speed. I thought they played pretty well. It’s nice to get a lead and get a nice win.”

Lake goalkeeper Mitchell Maguire made 10 saves and thwarted a number of Oak Harbor shots.

“He has stepped up in every match this year,” said Reed. “He’s playing phenomenal — he’s only given up one goal in four matches.”

The Flyers travel to Defiance on Saturday.