University Park, Pa. — Claire Enright scored the game-winning goal in the third period, and Ava McNaughton made 34 saves to help No. 2 seed Wisconsin defeat top-seeded Ohio State 3-2 in the Frozen Four, securing their second consecutive national championship.
This victory brings Wisconsin’s total number of NCAA titles to nine, the most by any NCAA program, including four of the last six championships (the 2020 Frozen Four was canceled due to COVID). The Badgers have also now won 21 Frozen Four games.
A Rivalry at the Top
The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that Wisconsin and Ohio State have faced each other in the last four championship games, with the two teams sharing six consecutive national titles.
Key Players and Moments in the Game
Claire Enright, playing on the right side, made the crucial play with 6:18 left in the game. She darted toward the net along the goal line and took a shot that ricocheted off the back post and into the net, giving Wisconsin the lead for good.
In addition to Enright’s game-winning goal, Kelly Gorbatenko had a goal and an assist, while Laney Potter also scored. Adela Sapovalivova contributed two assists. Gorbatenko’s 50 goal contributions this season (28 goals, 22 assists) helped lead the Badgers to victory.
Ohio State’s Efforts
For Ohio State, Kassidy Carmichael and Jocelyn Amos each scored a goal. Hailey MacLeod made 31 saves in goal. The Buckeyes fought back in the final period after trailing 2-0.
Carmichael got Ohio State on the board with a goal, redirecting a shot past McNaughton’s glove side. Less than three minutes later, Jocelyn Amos scored off a rebound to tie the game 2-2.
Game Highlights
- Gorbatenko opened the scoring for Wisconsin with a wrist shot just over 1 minute into the game.
- Potter added another goal for Wisconsin with an assist from Gorbatenko, making it 2-0 early.
- Ohio State answered with two goals to tie the game in the third period, but Enright’s shot sealed the win for Wisconsin.
