The #3-ranked Ohio State women’s soccer team (12-1-1, 8-1-0) were in West Lafayette, Indiana Sunday for a pivotal Big Ten matchup with the Purdue Boilermakers (12-2-2, 6-2-1). The Buckeyes scored two minutes into the second half to break a 1-1 tie and held on for the win, their sixth straight victory.

OSU got on the board first when Nette-Nina Hiltunen scored in the seventh minute, assisted by Ava Bramblett and Andrea Lu. It was Hiltunen’s second goal of the season. Purdue’s leading scorer Jaiden Anderson tied the score in the 20th minute with an assist from Irene Campo.

The Buckeyes took the lead for good with a goal from Elle Britt two and a half minutes into the second half. Amanda Schleuter, Ohio State’s top scorer, recorded the assist. The Boilermakers had an excellent chance to tie the score in the 71st minute, but Jaiden Anderson’s penalty kick was denied by OSU goalkeeper Lizzie Rozmajzl. 

It was Rozmajzl’s first start in net for the Buckeyes. The sophomore from Canton, Ohio made seven crucial saves on the afternoon to pick up her first win and help the Bucks keep the top spot in the Big Ten.

Ohio State returns home for two conference matches this upcoming week. Rutgers (4-6-4, 3-5-1) comes to Columbus Thursday for a match at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium kicking off at 7:00 p.m. Next Sunday, Illinois (4-4-7, 1-4-4) will be in town for a match beginning at noon.