What tactics did Ohio State employ to gain an early lead against Wisconsin in the National Championship Game? How did Wisconsin respond to Ohio State’s initial advantage in the match? What key moments led to the controversial penalty shot that tied the game? What challenges does Ohio State face moving forward after the loss in the championship game? How does the performance of players like Laila Edwards and Joy Dunne impact the prognosis for both teams in future seasons?
With the NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey National Championship Game held in Minneapolis, it felt like a home game for Wisconsin against the Ohio State Buckeyes. And, if you believe what Ohio State head coach Nadine Muzerall said during her in-game interview with ESPNU, that’s exactly the way the Buckeyes wanted it. It was the third straight National Championship Game between the two schools. Ohio State entered the 2023 game favored, but couldn’t find a way through the Wisconsin defense in a 1-0 loss. Last year, the Buckeyes again entered as the favorite and got their revenge, with a 1-0 win on a Joy Dunne goal with just over seven minutes left in the game. This year, Wisconsin entered as a heavy favorite, coming off one of the best seasons the sport has ever seen. The Buckeyes weren’t cowed, though, and took things to the Badgers early, trying to defend their title and establish themselves as a women’s hockey dynasty.
Unlike the last two National Championship Games, this one wouldn’t be low-scoring. The fireworks came early and often, starting with a cross-checking penalty against the Buckeyes for reacting too strongly for some swipes at goalie Amanda Thiele after a puck was covered up. Dunne got the puck after the ensuing faceoff and went coast-to-coast for an incredible shorthanded goal. Wisconsin struck back immediately, creating a 2-on-1 off the next faceoff and scoring, erasing the Ohio State lead after just 12 seconds. Laila Edwards, the country’s leading scorer, used the distraction of the skater on the other side to open up the net and plug it home. This didn’t faze the Buckeyes at all, though, as later in the period Sloane Matthews stole the puck, raced into the zone, and went top shelf to beat Wisconsin goalie Ava McNaughton to give the Buckeyes the lead.
Ohio State didn’t let up, either, opening the second period with a steal by Makenna Webster off the opening faceoff, creating a rush that ended with a wrist shot from Emma Peschel finding the net. It was just Peschel’s eighth goal of the season, but it gave the Buckeyes a 3-1 lead. Wisconsin would get one back later in the period, but the Buckeyes entered the third with a 3-2 lead. Things got interesting when the Buckeyes had too many players on the ice with under two minutes left, but the Ohio State defense and Amanda Thiele held strong. Wisconsin challenged that the Buckeyes covered the puck in the crease with 19 seconds left, and—in a decision that will be quite controversial with Ohio State fans for a long time—the referees agreed. The Badgers scored the ensuing penalty shot to tie it at three. We were heading to overtime for a National Championship.
Wisconsin controlled play in overtime, eventually finding a goal a few minutes in after a long stretch in the Buckeye zone.
This season obviously ended on a disappointing note, especially being 19 seconds away from a title and losing on a questionable replay review, but the future is bright. This was a much younger team than last year’s title-winning team, and Joy Dunne will be back, leading what should once again be a potent offense. Next year’s team should look very similar to this one on the ice, though seniors like Maddi Wheeler and Makenna Webster (among others) will certainly be missed. Thiele will need to be replaced, but the Buckeyes have never struggled at that position under Muzerall.
Ohio State Women’s Hockey Falls to Wisconsin in National Championship: A Heartbreaking End to a Remarkable Season
In a spectacular showdown that captivated fans and showcased the pinnacle of collegiate women’s hockey, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA National Championship. The excitement was palpable as the Buckeyes entered the game looking to secure their first national title in program history. Despite a valiant effort, Ohio State fell to Wisconsin, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in an intense battle that highlighted the skill, resilience, and determination of both teams.
The game, held at a neutral site, drew a packed crowd filled with passionate fans from both sides, all eager to witness what had been billed as one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season. Ohio State had been riding a wave of momentum, building off a series of impressive performances throughout the tournament, including a thrilling semifinal victory against a formidable opponent. The Buckeyes had established themselves as a powerhouse in women’s hockey under head coach Nadine Muzerall, a former standout player who had transformed the program into a national contender.
From the opening puck drop, it was clear that both teams were prepared to leave it all on the ice. The first period showcased a defensive chess match, with each squad trading possession and carefully plotting their attacks. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by senior captain Jincy Dunne, was up to the task, neutralizing Wisconsin’s high-octane offense and limiting their scoring opportunities. However, the Badgers, known for their championship pedigree and offensive firepower, managed to find the back of the net first, scoring a power-play goal midway through the period. The electric shot from star forward Daryl Watts stunned the Buckeyes, who found themselves in an early hole.
Ohio State, undeterred, responded with characteristic grit. The second period saw the Buckeyes ramp up their offensive pressure, launching a barrage of shots at Wisconsin’s goaltender, Kennedy Blair. With relentless forechecking and disciplined execution, the Buckeyes were able to generate several quality scoring chances. Finally, their efforts paid off when rookie sensation Jennifer Gardiner deftly maneuvered through the Badgers’ defense, burying a wrist shot that tied the game at 1-1. The first-year player’s clutch goal injected new life into the Buckeyes’ bench and thrilled the fans, signaling that Ohio State was not ready to back down.
As the game progressed into the third period, both teams intensified their efforts, fully aware that every moment could be a pivotal turning point. Wisconsin regained the lead with another power-play goal, this time courtesy of Sophie Shirley, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Ohio State. The Buckeyes, now trailing 2-1, furiously sought to equalize once more. The stakes had never been higher, and every shift was a heart-pounding experience as they pushed for an equalizer against the National Champions’ defense.
Ohio State’s determination culminated in a spectacular moment when they orchestrated a swift offensive play that led to a goal from leading scorer Clair DeGeorge, who found a seam in Wisconsin’s defense. The iconic goal brought the score to 2-2, sending the Ohio State bench and fans into a frenzy. With just minutes left in the game, both teams battled fiercely, resulting in an exhilarating back-and-forth exchange across the ice.
However, in the waning moments, Wisconsin struck the decisive blow with a heartbreakingly well-placed shot from a sharp angle by Grace Bowlby, who found a way to slip the puck past Ohio State’s goalie, Andrea Braendli. Moments later, as the final seconds ticked away, the Badgers celebrated, and the Buckeyes were left to reflect on a bittersweet season. The scoreboard read 3-2 in favor of Wisconsin.
Although the defeat was devastating, the Buckeyes emerged from that heart-wrenching loss with their heads held high, building a legacy that transcended the game itself. The season had been filled with remarkable achievements and unprecedented milestones for Ohio State women’s hockey, including their highest-ever ranking and a historic postseason run.
Post-match, Coach Muzerall expressed immense pride in her team’s resilience and dedication. “We’ve come so far this season and have shown what we are capable of on the ice,” she said. “This is just the beginning for Ohio State women’s hockey, and we will learn and grow from this experience.”
This championship encounter served not just as a conclusion to the season but as a testament to the growth of women’s hockey at the collegiate level. As the Buckeyes pack up their gear and look ahead to next season, they carry with them the lessons learned, the camaraderie forged, and an unrelenting hunger for the championship that eluded them this year. The future is bright, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in Ohio State women’s hockey history.
The Ohio State Women’s Hockey team faced a challenging match against Wisconsin in the National Championship game. Despite a valiant effort, they struggled to find their rhythm and were ultimately unable to secure the victory. Key moments in the game showcased Wisconsin’s strong offensive plays and defensively solid strategy, which the Buckeyes found difficult to counter. While it was a hard-fought battle, Ohio State will undoubtedly regroup and look to build on this experience for future seasons. The team has shown great promise throughout the season, and this game serves as a stepping-stone for their continued development and success.