The Gophers women's soccer team (10-3-3, 6-2-1) will host No. 19 Ohio State (12-3-1, 7-2-0) at 6 p.m. Friday in a matchup between two of the top Big Ten teams.

The Buckeyes are in first place — one point ahead of Penn State and two ahead of third-place Minnesota.

It will also be senior night for six players at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

U lands DB recruit

The Gophers received a verbal commitment Thursday night from C.J. Smith III, a three-star defensive back from Duncan U. Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Fla. Smith, a senior, is a 6-1, 175-pounder who rescinded his verbal commitment to Georgia Southern. He announced his decision on Twitter.

Randy Johnson

U women at UMD rink

The Gophers women's hockey team plays at Minnesota Duluth at 3:37 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at Amsoil Arena.

Minnesota (3-2-1, 2-1-1 WCHA) is coming off a road sweep of Bemidji State, 3-1, 4-3 in overtime. Co-captain Sydney Baldwin, a senior defenseman, leads Minnesota in scoring with one goal and eight assists for nine points. Four teammates each have six.

. The Bulldogs (2-4, 0-2) have lost four games in a row.

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