An unfortunate turn of events at the end of third period for the Ohio State women’s hockey team led to overtime with Wisconsin and, ultimately, a 4-3 NCAA title win for the Badgers Sunday at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.

The Buckeyes took a 3-1 lead 10 seconds into the second period on a goal from Emma Peschel. Wisconsin got to within one five minutes later when the Badgers’ captain, Caroline Harvey, recorded her first goal of the game. There was no more scoring until late in the third.

With 1:50 left in regulation, Ohio State was assessed a penalty for too many players on the ice. Wisconsin pulled their goalie to create a six-on-four opportunity.

With just 18 seconds remaining, Wisconsin attacked the net and, after a challenge from the Badgers’ bench, it was deemed that an OSU player had covered the puck in the crease with her glove. A Wisconsin penalty shot was awarded.

Kirsten Simms took that shot and, after moving from left to right in front of Buckeye goalie Amanda Thiele, buried the puck in the net. There was some question as to whether Simms actually moved the puck backward, which is not allowed, but Ohio State chose not to challenge the play.

The contest went to overtime. Just 2:49 into the extra period, it was Simms again with wrister from the left side of the goal for the game winner. It was Simms two years ago, as a freshman, who scored the only goal for the Badgers in their 1-0 NCAA championship victory over the Buckeyes.

Ohio State has been in the NCAA title game in each of the last four years, winning the crown in 2022 and 2024. The Buckeyes beat Wisconsin last year but fell to the Badgers in 2023 as well as in today’s game.