university Wisconsin Women's Hockey National Team fell into ohio state buckeyes Close game Sunday.
Badgers head coach: “The game comes down to one play'' mark johnson he said after the match. “They made a play. They win the game. And it hurts.”
That play came for the freshman with 7:12 left in the final period. Joy Dunn He took a shot from the right circle past the Badgers' goalie. Eva McNaughton To take control. This was the only goal of the game, propelling the Buckeyes to their second NCAA Championship in three years.
The Badgers' defense was excellent, holding Ohio State to just 28 shots, a season low for the Buckeyes.
The best chance came with less than two minutes left in the second period. Casey O'Brien Had the puck with no defender between her and the Buckeyes goaltender. raygan kirk. O'Brien was unable to get the puck between Kirk's legs, and the game remained scoreless. Kirk was a wall all night, saving all 26 of Wisconsin's shots on goal.
“We didn't take advantage of our chances, but they took advantage of one of our chances. In every aspect, we just need to get better,” O'Brien said in an interview. Told. badger extra After the match.
The matchup was the second time the Badgers were shutout all season. The other game was against the Buckeyes on November 17th, and the Badgers lost 3-0.
The matchup was eerily similar to the 2023 NCAA Championship game in which Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 1-0. However, this time the situation was reversed.
After the game, Johnson noted the team's accomplishments this season, including 35 wins and winning the WCHA Championship. “Once the sting has subsided and the pain subsides, look back on their season. They'll have a lot to be proud of,” Johnson said.
