The lady Bucks got the job done in their series opener against Minnesota State. Kendall Curtis, Lauren Spring, and Alexa Ranahan all registered multiple points as OSU recorded a 3-2 win over the Mavericks.
The first period was all Ohio State. The Buckeyes posted two goals in the first period while outshooting MSU by a 14-2 margin. The opening tally was credited to Kendall Curtis. Kari Schmitt joined in the celebrations as well, netting her fifth of the year.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Ohio State | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
The Mavericks had some better looks in the second period, particularly on their two power play opportunities. Stacy Danczak stood tall in net, though. She and the Buckeye defense made quick work of the Mavs' chances.
Minnesota State finally cracked OSU's wall o' defense midway through the final frame. MSU's leading scorer, Nicole Schammel, put the puck past Danczak. Moments later Schammel struck again, tying the game with a shorty.
The Buckeyes regained their lead one shift later. Lauren Spring tickled the twine on the power play. The marker was her fourth of the season and would hold up as the game winner.
| pd | time | buckeye goal scorer (assists) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10:17 | Kendall Curtis (Alexa Ranahan) |
| 1 | 17:00 | Kari Schmitt (Lauren Spring, Kendall Curtis) |
| 3 | 16:32 | Lauren Spring - PP (Alexa Ranahan, Claudia Kepler) |
The Bucks outshot Minnesota State 34-14 for the game. Danczak made 12 saves for Ohio State in the win. Special teams recorded one power play goal in four tries, allowed a shorthanded tally, and killed both of MSU's man-advantages.
OSU's game wasn't as tidy as it could have been but the ladies did enough to secure the victory. These teams wrap up their week and season series tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.
