Freshman Taylor Williamson's second goal of the season, in the fifth minute of the second period, proved to be the game-winner in the Gophers' 3-1 victory over Ohio State on Saturday afternoon at Ridder Arena in WCHA women's hockey.
"Well, it was a great game," Gophers coach Brad Frost said. "I thought both teams competed really hard, and for us it was the first game back from break. I was proud of the way our kids competed and battled. We had a ton of chances, two crossbars, a post, and many other grade-A chances."
Williamson put the No. 3 Gophers (16-3, 12-3 WCHA) ahead 2-0. Ohio State cut the lead in half when Julia McKinnon scored an unassisted goal at 13:15 of the second period.
That was the only shot the Buckeyes got past Amanda Leveille, who made 18 saves. Alex LaMere had 25 saves for Ohio State (7-14, 3-12).
"Their goaltender played really well, and I thought Amanda Leveille, coming back on just a night's rest after playing for Canada in Germany, was outstanding, in particular early for us," Frost said.
Also scoring for the Gophers were Kelly Pannek in the first period and Dani Cameranesi in the third.
Freshman winger Sarah Potomak had assists on the Gophers' first and third goals, raising her assist total to a Division I-best of 28. Sophomore defenseman Sydney Baldwin also had two assists, including one on Williamson's goal.
The Gophers' victory, before an announced crowd of 2,431, extended two long streaks. They have a 37-game unbeaten streak against Ohio State (35-0-2) and a 26-game unbeaten streak at home (24-0-2).
