It was the biggest game of the season for the Ohio State women’s soccer team (10-4-6). After beating #19-ranked Georgia, 2-0, last Friday, the Buckeyes moved on to the second round of this year’s NCAA tourney with a game Thursday against #1 Notre Dame (15-2-3) in South Bend, Ind.

The Fighting Irish dominated play throughout regulation and almost two overtime periods, but neither team managed a goal in the first 109 minutes and 28 seconds. With just 32 seconds left in the second OT, after which the contest’s result would be determined by a shootout, the Buckeyes scored to nab the upset win, 1-0. 

It was Jadin Bonham at the right post who put the ball on her left foot and kicked it past the two defenders who had positioned themselves on the goal line. Notre Dame goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica had been pulled out of the goal mouth trying to defend the long crossing pass from Ohio State’s Mia McSweeney.

Bonham’s shot was the eighth of the night for the Buckeyes, compared to Notre Dame’s 36. The Irish put five shots on net, all of which were saved by OSU keeper Molly Pritchard. The Buckeyes also had five shots on goal with the last going in for the victory.

Ohio State now advances to the Sweet Sixteen with a Sunday match at #5-ranked Baylor kicking off at 2:00 p.m. EST. The Bears beat #4 Wisconsin in Madison to advance.