UMD Relishing Rematch Against Ohio State

Buckeyes have defeated Bulldogs in last six matchups

DULUTH, Minn.- After a thrilling double overtime victory on Thursday, the UMD women’s hockey team is quickly turning its attention to the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State.

After finding out their place in the bracket during Sunday’s selection show, UMD Head Coach Maura Crowell and her players had their eyes on a potential rematch against Ohio State. “It’s kind of the world we live in,” says Crowell. “We play in the toughest conference in the country, and we face the Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota. So, if we were scared, wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

UMD is only a week removed from playing the Buckeyes in the WCHA Frozen Face-Off, where OSU delivered a 5-0 blowout in the semifinals. “Friday’s game wasn’t our best,” Crowell admits. “I think that was an anomaly. So, we’re going to flush that one and just keep in mind the hockey we’ve been playing in January and February to put us in this position.”

Ohio State has had UMD’s number in recent history, defeated the Bulldogs in their last six head-to-head matchups. While UMD isn’t thinking about that losing streak, they know it will take everything they have to advance to the Frozen Four.

“I love the fact that we’re taking on the number one team in the country,” says Mannon McMahon, who scored the game-winning goal against UConn on Thursday. “I think it just gives us a lot of opportunity. We have nothing to lose going into these games. Ohio State may be overlooking us and we’re just excited for an opportunity to take down the number one team.”

UMD and Ohio State will face off on Saturday at 3 p.m. Central Time on the Buckeyes’ home ice rink.