Eric Boggs
The No. 2 Ohio State women’s hockey team continues to solidify its standing as one of the nation’s top programs, capping off a series of commanding performances with a 4-1 victory over Minnesota State on Saturday. The win marked the Buckeyes’ third consecutive conference sweep and improved their record to 20-5-3 overall and 14-5-3 in WCHA play.
In a contest that started as a defensive battle, junior defender Brooke Disher broke the deadlock with just over two minutes remaining in the second period. Once the Buckeyes found their rhythm, they seized control. Third-period goals from Joy Dunne and Kiara Zanon extended the lead to 3-0 before Minnesota State managed a response. Freshman defender Mira Jungåker sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final seconds, marking her first career home-ice tally. Goaltender Hailey MacLeod was a wall in net, recording 17 saves, 10 of which came in a busy third period.
Saturday’s victory capped a weekend sweep following Friday’s 5-2 win over Minnesota State. In that matchup, Buckeye captain Jenna Buglioni notched a historic game-winning goal, breaking program records for both single-season (seven) and career (17) game-winning tallies. Despite an early goal from the Mavericks, Ohio State quickly regained control with Kiara Zanon tying the game just 90 seconds later. Sloane Matthews led the scoring with two goals, while Buglioni and Emma Peschel added insurance markers.
Earlier in the week, the Buckeyes completed a non-conference sweep over Mercyhurst with a dominant 5-1 win on Tuesday. Ohio State showcased its depth as nine players recorded points, including goals from Zanon, Dunne, and Jungåker. Goaltender Hailey MacLeod delivered another strong performance, stopping 15 shots to secure the victory. The Buckeyes concluded their non-conference schedule with an undefeated 6-0-0 record. Across the three games against Mercyhurst this season, Ohio State’s offensive depth was on full display as 17 different players tallied points, highlighting the team’s versatility and balance. Buglioni’s standout performances have cemented her place in Buckeye history, while younger players like Mira Jungåker and Sloane Matthews have emerged as key contributors. In net, Hailey MacLeod and Amanda Thiele provided steady goaltending, combining for 45 saves over the week. The Buckeyes dominated their opponents in key metrics, outshooting them 131-49 and consistently controlling the puck.
Ohio State will face a pivotal matchup next week, traveling to Minneapolis to take on No. 3 Minnesota in a two-game series on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. With faceoff times set for 7 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively, these games promise to be critical in the Buckeyes’ quest to maintain their momentum and solidify their position atop the WCHA standings.
