The University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team has demonstrated exceptional prowess in the NCAA Tournament, following an intense victory over the University of Minnesota and an impressive 6-3 triumph against the top-ranked Ohio State University during the WCHA Tournament.
The matchup with St. Lawrence was highly anticipated, particularly after the Saints’ dramatic 1-0 overtime win against the Penn State Lady Lions. Seeded number 2, the Badgers received a bye and were well-rested for the face-off. St. Lawrence’s goaltender, Emma-Sofie Nordström, delivered a remarkable performance with 36 saves in the intense game.
The Badgers took the lead a mere 14 seconds into the game when forward Casey O’Brien seized the opportunity to score against a stunned St. Lawrence. Despite a flurry of shots from the Badgers, the Saints managed to hold them off for the first and second periods.
However, the game took a turn in the third period, with forwards Sarah Wozniewicz and Laila Edwards finding the back of the net, securing a 4-0 victory for the Badgers. Edwards, in particular, has been an outstanding player this season, scoring an impressive 20 goals and making significant contributions to the team’s success.
“We have one more game,” remarked UW head coach Mark Johnson, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the next challenge. “The season goes on.”
Following their victory, the Badgers are set to face the Colgate Raiders, seeded No. 3, in the Frozen Four in Durham, New Hampshire. Despite a mixed performance in the regular season, the Raiders have been in top form during the postseason, winning the ECAC tournament and securing a spot in the Frozen Four by defeating Cornell University.
The highly-anticipated faceoff between the Badgers and the Raiders is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday, March 29. If UW advances, the final match will take place on Sunday, March 31 at 3:00 p.m. CT against the winner of Ohio State and Clarkson University.
The Wisconsin women’s hockey team has displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, and supporters are eagerly anticipating their performance in the Frozen Four. The upcoming match against the Raiders is expected to be a thrilling showdown, and fans are hopeful that the Badgers will continue their impressive run in the tournament.