Eric Boggs
Ohio State women’s hockey suffered a crushing defeat in the national championship game, falling 4-3 in overtime to Wisconsin. The Buckeyes, who controlled the game for much of regulation, came agonizingly close to securing their second consecutive NCAA title and third championship in four years before the Badgers staged a dramatic comeback.
Leading 3-2 in the final seconds of the third period, Ohio State found itself in a controversial situation when officials awarded Wisconsin a penalty shot after a video review determined that a Buckeye defenseman had covered the puck with her hand inside the crease. With just 18 seconds left in regulation, Wisconsin capitalized, forcing overtime. The Badgers then delivered the decisive blow three minutes into the extra period, leaving Ohio State heartbroken in yet another hard-fought battle between these two powerhouse programs. This championship showdown marked the third straight season in which the Buckeyes and Badgers faced off for the national title. After securing their first championship with a victory over Minnesota-Duluth in 2022, Ohio State had split their previous title matchups with Wisconsin—falling 1-0 in 2023 and prevailing by the same score in 2024.
The game opened with a cautious first eight minutes, but the action quickly intensified when Ohio State forward Jordyn Petrie was called for cross-checking, sending the Buckeyes onto the penalty kill. Undeterred, sophomore standout Joy Dunne electrified the Ohio State faithful with a stunning coast-to-coast, short-handed goal, showcasing her dynamic skill set. However, the lead was short-lived as Wisconsin forward Laila Edwards responded moments later with an impressive solo effort of her own, evening the score. The Buckeyes regained the lead six minutes later when forward Sloane Matthews delivered a pinpoint top-shelf shot past Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton, capping off a high-scoring first period that surpassed the total goals from the teams’ previous two championship meetings combined.
Ohio State wasted no time extending its lead in the second period. Just ten seconds into the frame, defenseman Emma Peschel unleashed a blistering one-timer from deep, beating McNaughton and putting the Buckeyes up 3-1. Jocelyn Amos and Makenna Webster assisted on the goal, further bolstering Ohio State’s momentum. Wisconsin responded five minutes later when defenseman Caroline Harvey converted a one-timer of her own, slicing the Buckeyes’ lead to 3-2. Thiele, partially screened on the play, was unable to track the puck as it sailed into the net.
Ohio State had an opportunity to regain control late in the period when Wisconsin’s Emma Venusio was penalized for roughing. The Buckeyes generated quality chances, including shots from defenseman Emma Zumwinkle and Dunne, but couldn’t convert on the power play. As the game entered the third period, Ohio State’s defense faced relentless pressure from a determined Badgers attack.
Goaltender Amanda Thiele delivered a remarkable performance in the final frame, making 11 crucial saves, including several highlight-reel stops with and without her stick. However, the Buckeyes found themselves in a dire situation late in regulation when Wisconsin pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, creating a 6-on-4 advantage. Then, with just 18 seconds left, disaster struck. After a video review determined that an Ohio State defenseman had illegally covered the puck in the crease, the officials awarded Wisconsin a penalty shot. Forward Kirsten Simms converted with a skillful move, knotting the game at three and sending it to overtime.
The extra period proved to be just as intense. Despite Ohio State’s best efforts, it was Simms again who delivered the dagger, knocking home a rebound off Thiele’s pad to secure the championship for Wisconsin.
For Ohio State, the loss was devastating. The Buckeyes played with heart, skill, and determination but fell just short in one of the most thrilling national title games in recent memory. Though this defeat will sting, the program’s continued dominance on the national stage is undeniable, and the Buckeyes will undoubtedly be back in pursuit of another championship next season.
