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For the fifth consecutive season, the Ohio State Buckeyes will compete in the Women's Hockey National Championship Game. Under head coach Nadine Muzerall, the Buckeyes are on the verge of a dynasty, winning two of the last four National Championships, and finishing runner-up the other two years.
In the Frozen Four against Northeastern, things looked dicey for the first two-and-a-half minutes or so. The Buckeyes were kept pinned back in the defensive zone and had trouble clearing the puck, giving up some amazing scoring opportunities. Hailey MacLeod was forced to make some impressive saves, including against a virtual breakaway, but she never had trouble protecting the net.
Ohio State found its rhythm a few minutes later, and the Buckeyes didn't look back. Midway through the first period, Joy Dunne slotted home a rebound from the edge of the crease, and the floodgates opened from there. Ohio State scored two goals in a 63-second span later in the period, and followed it up with an exceptional goal in the final second of the first period.
The second period was scoreless, as Northeastern found a bit of a rhythm, aided by two Ohio State penalties. If there was one downside for the Buckeyes in this game, it was the penalties. Ohio State committed four of them, something the Buckeyes probably can't afford to do in the final game of the season.
The defense was strong throughout, and MacLeod was spectacular in the few occasions she was called upon. The Buckeyes completely dominated the ice time in the third period, adding one goal early for a 5-0 final.
In Sunday's National Championship Game, the Buckeyes will face the winner of Friday evening's second semifinal, between Penn State and Wisconsin. The Badgers have been in the last three National Championship Games, winning two of them (over Ohio State, in 2023 and 2025). Wisconsin also won the title in 2019 and 2021. Penn State has never reached the National Championship Game in women's hockey.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State Women's Hockey reaches 5th straight NCAA Championship Game
Continue reading...
In the Frozen Four against Northeastern, things looked dicey for the first two-and-a-half minutes or so. The Buckeyes were kept pinned back in the defensive zone and had trouble clearing the puck, giving up some amazing scoring opportunities. Hailey MacLeod was forced to make some impressive saves, including against a virtual breakaway, but she never had trouble protecting the net.
Ohio State found its rhythm a few minutes later, and the Buckeyes didn't look back. Midway through the first period, Joy Dunne slotted home a rebound from the edge of the crease, and the floodgates opened from there. Ohio State scored two goals in a 63-second span later in the period, and followed it up with an exceptional goal in the final second of the first period.
The second period was scoreless, as Northeastern found a bit of a rhythm, aided by two Ohio State penalties. If there was one downside for the Buckeyes in this game, it was the penalties. Ohio State committed four of them, something the Buckeyes probably can't afford to do in the final game of the season.
The defense was strong throughout, and MacLeod was spectacular in the few occasions she was called upon. The Buckeyes completely dominated the ice time in the third period, adding one goal early for a 5-0 final.
In Sunday's National Championship Game, the Buckeyes will face the winner of Friday evening's second semifinal, between Penn State and Wisconsin. The Badgers have been in the last three National Championship Games, winning two of them (over Ohio State, in 2023 and 2025). Wisconsin also won the title in 2019 and 2021. Penn State has never reached the National Championship Game in women's hockey.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State Women's Hockey reaches 5th straight NCAA Championship Game
Continue reading...
