MADISON, Wisc. – No. 1 Wisconsin scored two third-period goals and edged No. 4 Ohio State 2-1 on Friday afternoon in women’s hockey action at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisc. The Buckeyes, who are now 4-3 on the season, received a second-period goal from Paetyn Levis and 30 saves from goalie Andrea Braendli.
“We’re frustrated and proud,” said head coach Nadine Muzerall. “That’s kind of a bag of mixed emotions. I thought we were very well-prepared and the girls, in terms of chances for and threatening chances were dominant. The frustrating part is not capitalizing on those. Very proud of our chances and effort. We have to find a way when we’re dominating to put the puck in the back of the net.”
Leading 2-1 entering the third period, Ohio State gave up two goals in a four-minute span that proved to be the difference in an otherwise evenly played game. Wisconsin held a 32-29 edge in shots and both teams failed to convert on their two power play opportunities. The Buckeyes won 21 faceoffs (compared to 15 for Wisconsin).
Ohio State and Wisconsin finish their weekend series tomorrow with a 1 p.m. ET puck drop from LaBahn Arena. The game will be streamed live on BTN Plus (subscription required).
First Period
Ohio State went on the power play just 5:30 into the game and generated four shots, but couldn’t convert any into the opening goal.
The Buckeyes drew another penalty with under a minute to play in the period as Wisconsin’s Sophie Shirley was called for tripping.
Ohio State outshot Wisconsin 10-6 in the first period and won 12 of the 15 faceoffs. Goalie Andrea Braendli stopped six shots.
Second Period
Wisconsin opened the period by killing off the remaining 1:12 of Ohio State’s power play, but Ohio State found its way onto the scoreboard when Paetyn Levis buried a shot while moving across the slot past Badger goalie Kennedy Blair. It was Levis’ second goal of the season and eighth of her career. Levis now has points in two straight games after also getting on the scoreboard in last Sunday’s 7-1 win over Bemidji State. Madison Bizal was credited with an assist on the play, her fourth of the season.
On the other end of the ice, goalie Andrea Braendli made 15 second-period saves to give her 21 total through two periods. In front of her, the Buckeyes also killed off two Wisconsin penalties.
Third Period
the equalizing goal for Wisconsin came midway through the third period as Daryl Watts scored for the third time this season off assists from Sophie Shirley and Brette Pettet. Three minutes later, Nicole LaMantia tapped in a rebound past Braendli to give the Badgers their first lead of the game, 2-1.
Ohio State generated offensive opportunities throughout the third period, finishing with nine shots in the period, but couldn’t get one by Wisconsin goalie Kennedy Blair.
Statistically Speaking
Shots: Wisconsin 32, Ohio State 29
Saves: Ohio State (Braendli) 30, Wisconsin (Blair) 28
Power Play: Ohio State 0-2, Wisconsin 0-2
Scoring (G-A-P): Levis 1-0-1; Bizal 0-1-1
