Now that's the way to end the first half. Ohio State wrapped up its first half schedule today with a series and season sweep of No. 9 Bemidji State.
The Buckeyes powered through the first period this afternoon, outshooting the Beavers 11-5. Claudia Kepler lit the lamp midway through the frame. The sophomore's sixth score of the season sent OSU into the first break with a slim lead.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Bemidji State | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
That lead evaporated in the second period. A series of fouls kept the Ohio State penalty killers on the ice for an extended amount of time. Bemidji State's Alexis Joyce took advantage of the situation, tallying a power play goal at the 9:01 mark.
The Bucks came out firing in the third period, though, and the pride of Verona, Wisconsin struck again. Kepler's second of the game put OSU ahead for good. Ohio State held off a final push by Bemidji and prevailed by a final score of 2-1.
Kepler's gamewinner also broke a three way tie between her, Taylor Kuehl, and Julia McKinnon for the team lead in goals scored. Kepler now reigns supreme with seven total tallies on the season. Her 14 points are second only to leader Sara Schmitt (4-11--15).
| per | time | buckeye goal scorer (assists) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11:58 | Claudia Kepler (Julia McKinnon) |
| 3 | 12:58 | Claudia Kepler (unassisted) |
Senior Stacy Danczak made her second consecutive start in net for OSU. She stopped 22 shots in today's outing. Her season record now stands at 4-1-2.
This game was concluded the teams' season series which Ohio State swept. In four games the Buckeyes outscored the Beavers by a combined score of 10-2. Both OSU goalies, Danczak and freshman Kassidy Suave, recorded shutouts of BSU in the series.
Goodness knows I don't completely understand how the polls function, but I can't imagine Bemidji will continue to be ranked above Ohio State. The Buckeye ladies have next week off to celebrate the holidays. They'll return to action January 3rd and 4th in a non-conference series at Penn State.
