Columbus, Ohio --- Minnesota State women's hockey scored two third period goals, but was unable to overcome a 4-0 deficit and lost to Ohio State 4-2 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game on Saturday afternoon at Ohio State University Ice Rink.
Neither the Mavericks (6-23-4, 3-20-3 WCHA) or the Buckeyes (12-15-5, 6-15-5-2) were able find the back of the net in the first period. Shots on goal were 10-10 in the first 20:00 of play and neither team converted on the power play – the Mavericks were 0-for-2 and the Buckeyes finished 0-for-1.
Ohio State took control in the second period – scoring three unanswered goals to put Minnesota State in a 3-0 hole at the end of two periods. Junior forward Julianna Iafallo (5-8--13), Jessica Dunne (4-5--9) and Breanne Grant (2-1--3) scored at 10:28, 14:04 and 16:40, respectively.
Senior forward Katie Matheny (6-1--7) scored the Buckeyes fourth and final goal at 8:27 of the third period.
The Mavericks fought back with two goals of their own in the third period. Sophomore forward Steph Keryluk (1-1--2) scored her first goal of the season – the second of her career – at 11:28 of the third period. Junior forward Sara Bustad (3-3--6), who has recorded career highs for goals, assists and points in a single season, assisted on the play.
The second Minnesota State goal was scored by junior forward Hannah Davidson (3-7--10) – the active Maverick career leader in goals (17), assists (25) and points (42) – at 16:40 of the period. Junior defenseman Anna Keys (2-8--10), who ranks fifth all-time amongst Maverick defenseman with 29 career points, and freshman forward Demi Gardner (4-1--5), who extended her point streak to three games, recorded her first career assist on the play.
The Mavericks were unable to get any closer and the Buckeyes held on for the 4-2 victory.
Senior goaltender Brianna Quade (3-17-2), who eclipsed 30 saves for the 11th time this season, made 31 saves for Minnesota State, while sophomore Kassidy Sauve (12-14-5) stopped 24 shots for Ohio State.
The Mavericks return to action for a two-game WCHA series at Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 p.m., on Friday and 3:07 p.m., on Saturday.
Listen to Minnesota State women's hockey head coach John Harrington's postgame comments below.
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