The No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team won their first game in a series against No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 4-2 on Friday, but lost their second game 3-2 on Saturday, marking their first loss of the season.
A finicky start leads to an impressive comeback
The Badgers had a slightly difficult start on Friday, trailing Ohio State by two points at the end of the first period, but their energy was just building.
Just four minutes into the second period of the game, junior forward Lalia Edwards sent a long pass to fifth-year Casey O’Brien for the breakaway. O’Brein then passed it to senior Lacey Eden to tip the puck into the net, putting Wisconsin on the board, 1-2.
Eight minutes later, O’Brien was able to score the equalizer. Junior Vivian Jungels shot the puck toward the net. While the Ohio State goalie blocked the shot, the puck just slipped out of reach into the hands of O’Brien who tapped it in, leaving the end of the second period 2-2.
The Badgers achieved their first lead of the game about three minutes into the third period. With 4-on-2 in the offensive zone, Wisconsin passed amongst one another until Eden found an opening, sending the puck to the back of the net.
Wisconsin was able to keep this lead throughout the final period until the Buckeyes pulled their goalie for another attacker, leaving the Badgers room for the cherry on top. With eight seconds remaining on the clock junior Caroline Harvery secured their victory with an empty netter, leaving the final score 4-2.
This game is the second time this season the Badgers trailed an opponent, and their second come-from-behind victory.
The Badgers’ first loss of the season
Similarly to their game on Friday, Wisconsin had an uphill battle to climb within the first period. Ohio State took an early lead, scoring two goals in the first 11 minutes of the game. But the Badgers did not let this deter them, scoring one goal for themselves before the first period was over. Junior Kirsten Simms shot the puck into the back of the net off a rebound from O’Brien, whose shot almost made it through. This left Wisconsin trailing by one to end the first period.
Both teams scored a meek zero goals in the second period. Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton blocked all 14 shots the Buckeyes attempted to keep the Badgers within one point.
But the Buckeyes extended their lead to 3-1 in the third period. Less than 30 seconds later, freshman Maggie Scannell found the back of the net with a shot off the rebound from sophomore Cassie Hall, leaving the Badgers within one point again.
For the last two minutes of the game, Wisconsin took McNaughton out of the goal and put in an extra attacker but still couldn’t score the equalizer. The game ended 3-2.
This game marked Badgers women's hockey's first loss of the season. Despite this loss, their 13-win streak was their third-best opening to a season in program history.
The Badgers will now come home to Madison to face the University of St. Thomas on Nov. 22 and 23 at Labahn Arena.
Clara Strecker is a copy chief for The Daily Cardinal. She also covers state news.
