Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s women’s hockey team delivered an impressive road performance against St. Thomas, taking home a 5-1 win in the first game and a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory in the second. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 2, looked every bit the powerhouse they are, pushing their record to 11-2-2 (6-2-2 WCHA) and claiming five conference points from the series.
Friday’s Game: A Dunne Domination
On Friday, the Buckeyes got off to a strong start, overcoming an early 1-0 deficit just seconds after the Tommies scored. Joy Dunne was the game-changer, scoring the equalizer only 14 seconds later, sparking a scoring frenzy. Dunne added another goal later in the period, giving Ohio State a 2-1 lead. She was a playmaker throughout, notching four points with two goals and two assists.
Jenna Buglioni also made her mark, scoring Ohio State’s third goal shorthanded during a lengthy penalty kill following a game misconduct on Sara Swiderski. The Buckeyes remained defensively solid, killing all five St. Thomas power plays, including the five-minute penalty. In the final period, Kiara Zanon and Jocelyn Amos connected for a beautiful cross-ice goal, and Dunne set up Jordyn Petrie to cement the 5-1 score.
Amanda Thiele held strong in goal, making 18 saves to bring her record to 7-1-1. Buglioni reached a milestone with her 21st point of the season, becoming the first Buckeye to hit 20 points.
Saturday’s Game: Peschel’s Heroics in OT
Saturday’s matchup proved to be a defensive battle, with the Buckeyes ultimately outshooting St. Thomas 40-8. The Tommies’ goaltender, Dani Strom, kept things tight, making 39 saves. After a scoreless 60 minutes, Ohio State took advantage of a late third-period slashing penalty by St. Thomas, setting up a power play at the start of overtime.
The Buckeyes wasted no time. Winning the opening faceoff, Ohio State moved into the offensive zone, and after Dunne’s initial shot was blocked, Emma Peschel capitalized on a quick give-and-go with Buglioni, scoring the game-winner just 21 seconds into OT. Hailey MacLeod earned her second shutout of the season, improving to 3-1-1.
Standout Performances and What’s Next
Dunne’s relentless play earned her the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Forward of the Week award after racking up five points over the weekend. She’s currently on a seven-game point streak, with 15 points in that stretch, solidifying her position as a key player for the Buckeyes.
With the sweep behind them, Ohio State now turns its focus to a massive showdown against top-ranked Wisconsin on Nov. 15-16 in Columbus—a rematch of last year’s national championship that promises plenty of excitement. The Buckeyes will be ready to defend home ice and battle for WCHA supremacy.
