The Bucks got the jump on the Mavs tonight, but they weren't able to stay ahead. Nebraska-Omaha completed their series sweep with a 4-3 comeback win.
Scoring was fast and furious in the opening frame as three of the game's first four shots found the back of the next. Tanner Fritz struck first for the Buckeyes. He had time and space in prime goal-scoring real estate and used it to his full advantage, wiring a shot by Omaha goalie Kirk Thompson. Freshman Christian Lampasso was credited with an assist on the play, his first point as a Buckeye.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska-Omaha | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Ohio State | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
The Buckeyes didn't hold the lead for long. UNO's Avery Peterson was able to gain half a step on the OSU defense. It wasn't much breathing room, but it was enough. He beat Buckeye netminder Christian Frey from the faceoff circle.
Chad Niddery put the Bucks back on top with an assist from defenseman Sam Jardine. The tally was the senior forward's first of the season, putting Ohio State up 2-1 after a mere six minutes of play.
Darik Angeli extended the Buckeye lead late in the first, lighting up the hometown fans with a power play marker. Nick Schilkey drew the Mavericks' attention along the goal line and threw a shot on net. Angeli collected the rebound and tucked it into the wide open net.
But the Mavericks had an answer. Moments later Peterson struck again, getting behind the Buckeye defense once again, and drawing Omaha within a goal.
Things settled down in the second period. The teams continued to match each other in shots, blocks, faceoffs, etc. and the pace of the game slowed considerably. Nebraska-Omaha pushed its third puck past Frey near the midway point.
The Mavericks completed their comeback at the 1:53 mark of the third period as the Buckeyes were caught a bit flat footed coming out of the break. Ohio State, though it had some opportunities, wasn't able to respond.
This one wasn't pretty. The team's early season results have been a mixed bag. The Bucks have got some work to do, but I think they're better than this series. And, hey outside of Minnesota and maybe Penn State the other Big Ten teams are looking kind of stinky. Don't give up yet.
Ohio State is back in action next week with a home-and-home series against Bowling Green. The Bucks' host their half of the series next Saturday at 7pm.
Danczak Shuts Out Mavericks in Sweep
The Lady Buckeyes took care of business in Makato this afternoon. Ohio State completed a series sweep of Minnesota State, defeating the Mavericks by a final score of 2-0.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Minnesota State | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Buckeyes played a dominant, disciplined game. OSU out shot MSU 38-17 in the contest and was not whistled for one single penalty. The only black mark on the Buckeyes' stat sheet was that they weren't able to convert on the power play despite having five opportunities to do so.
Senior Danielle Gagne put the Bucks on the board early in the second period. She was assisted by Melani Moylan and Jessica Dunne. Dunne's helper was the freshman's first point as a Buckeye.
The score would remain 1-0 until the final minutes of the game when junior Kendall Curtis sealed the victory with an empty netter. Kayla Sullivan recorded the lone assist on the goal.
Redshirt junior Stacy Danczak started in net for Ohio State. She stopped all 17 of the shots she faced in the game. The shutout was the first of her collegiate career.
The ladies put their success streak to the test next week. They host No. 7/8 Mercyhurst on Tuesday night, then welcome No. 2 Minnesota for a Friday-Saturday series.
