Kirsten Simms scored two goals for the Badgers, including a winner in sudden-death overtime, as they defeated Ohio State 4-3 in the Frozen Four championship match on Sunday. The victory marked the Badgers’ eighth national title and their third consecutive matchup against the Buckeyes.
The game was tied at 3-3 after regulation, forcing a 5-minute overtime period. In the OT, Simms forced the game-winning goal by scoring on a penalty shot with just 18 seconds left in the first extra period. The Badgers had been struggling with penalties throughout the match, but Simms’ goal gave them the momentum they needed to secure the win.
Wisconsin coach Mark Johnson praised his team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity, saying “We didn’t play our best game today, but all good teams figure out how to get to the end.” The Badgers had been struggling with penalties throughout the match, but Simms’ goal gave them the momentum they needed to secure the win.
The victory marked a fitting conclusion to a season in which Wisconsin lost only one game. The Buckeyes had been Ohio State’s only opponent to beat Wisconsin in regulation this season.
For the Badgers, the championship was a dream come true, with Simms saying “It hasn’t sunk in yet… This team went to bat all game, and we fought through a ton of adversity.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/44377797/wisconsin-badgers-win-ncaa-women-hockey-title-over