COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 5 Ohio State women’s ice hockey team edged the Minnesota State Mavericks 1-0 Saturday afternoon to punch their ticket to the WCHA Final Faceoff in Minnesota. Liz Schepers put the Buckeyes on the board early and Andrea Braendli held off the Mavericks’ attack to clinch the win and end the series in two games. Ohio State’s record improves to 22-8-6 (13-6-5 WCHA).
Buckeye Bits
Ohio State 1, Minnesota State 0
First Period
Ohio State opened scoring once again in the WCHA quarterfinal matchup against Minnesota State. In the sixth minute, Liz Schepers sent a shot on frame that snuck by the glove of Calla Frank and put the Bucks up 1-0 after the first 20 minutes. With an assist on the play, Emma Maltais broke the single season assist record for any Buckeye. The Mavericks had the edge in shots on goal for the period, 10-9.
Second Period
No goals were scored in the middle frame but seven penalties were assessed, including two sets of matching penalties all within four minutes. The Buckeyes went on a 4-on-3 power play and Maltais rifled off three shots but Frank was there to keep the Mankato deficit to one. Ohio State had a 16-5 shots on goal advantage in the second period.
Third Period
The score held and Schepers’ goal proved to be the game-winner as the Buckeye defense held strong with a late surge from the Mavericks. Frank was called to the bench to give Minnesota State an advantage but Braendli posted another five saves in the final frame to clinch her third shutout of the season.
