Ohio State
Mercyhurst
Buckeyes Edge No. 7/9 Mercyhurst in OT, 4-3 – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/5/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
Oct. 5, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State women’s hockey team opened the 2013-14 season with an overtime victory, 4-3, on the road against No. 7/9 Mercyhurst Saturday night in Erie, Pa.
The Buckeyes, who haven’t lost a season opener in nine years, got the game-winning goal 2:02 into overtime from junior Taylor Kuehl. Assists on the winning goal were by senior Ally Tarr and junior Sara Schmitt. Kuehl had a share of the team lead in goals scored last season with 13.
“I am very pleased with our grit and resilience,” head coach Nate Handrahan said. “We had a full load of emotions tonight and it was great to get the W.”
Following a scoreless opening stanza, junior defenseman Kari Schmitt scored a pair of goals four minutes and seven seconds apart to give the Buckeyes a two-goal advantage. Her first score coming 6:32 into the period with assists by Tarr and Sara Schmitt, her second at the 10:39 mark with assists by freshman Claudia Kepler and redshirt junior Kara Gust.
Mercyhurst got on the scoreboard 3:28 into the third period while on the power play with a goal from Christine Bestland. The Lakers finished the game 1-4 with the extra attacker while the Buckeyes were 0-3 on their power play opportunities. Christie Cicero found the back of the net at 5:52 of the third to knot the score up at 2-all.
Sophomore Kendall Curtis put the Buckeyes up 3-2 as she scored her first career goal at the 8:40 mark of the period. Tarr and junior Danielle Gagne were credited with the assists on the score. Tarr had three helpers on the night.
With 2:05 remaining in regulation, Jenna Dingeldein scored for the Lakers to tie the game at 3-all and send the game into overtime.
Redshirt senior goaltender Chelsea Knapp finished the game with 35 saves for Ohio State, who were outshot by Mercyhurst 38-28.
The Buckeyes start their conference slate Oct. 11-12 at the OSU Ice Rink as they host St. Cloud State.
