The Wisconsin women’s hockey team recently defeated Colgate in their regional final to punch a ticket to the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four. The Badgers joined Ohio State, Minnesota, and Northeastern as the final four women’s hockey teams left. Wisconsin is scheduled to take on Minnesota on Friday, March 17th, to decide who will advance to the NCAA finals.
Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Aims For Seventh National Title
The #6 Wisconsin Badgers skated off with a 4-2 win over #3 Colgate in their final to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four after the upset. Colgate had six losses on the year before facing Wisconsin and earned a first round bye in their region, but could gain a lead over the Badgers.
The field is set for the @NCAAIceHockey Women's Frozen Four!
Can't wait to see the best fans in the country in Duluth next weekend!
🎟 – https://t.co/6qflPwhXMY pic.twitter.com/5cLh08uu9S
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerWHockey) March 12, 2023
Wisconsin got on the board first when Nicole LaMantia took the puck in herself and gave an assist to goalkeeper Cami Kronish. Colgate responded with a goal of their own to start the second period, as Allyson Simpson slapped one in. Simpson received a two minute minor for interference later in the second period giving the Badgers a power play.
The Badgers took one shot during the power play which resulted in a goal. Casey O’Brien scored the power play goal for the Badgers a minute and four seconds into the play. The Wisconsin women’s hockey team packed on the goals in the third period after Vivian Jungels scored to make it 3-1, Badgers. Colgate pulled their goalkeeper with two minutes left and Laila Edwards sank the empty net goal to make it 4-1.
Colgate scored a goal in the final seconds with six skaters to make it 4-2, Badgers. The Wisconsin women’s hockey team skated away with the upset win and regional win as well. Wisconsin made the most of their shot opportunities against a strong defensive team. Their tactics and shooting worked out for them perfectly in their biggest game yet this season. Now, the focus for Wisconsin will be on a very familiar team in the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
2023 NCAA Frozen Four: Can Wisconsin Win It All?
Wisconsin has played Minnesota five times this season, going 3-1-1 against the Golden Gophers. Wisconsin has scored 19 goals and allowed 15 in those games, with the most recent being the WCHA Final FaceOff. The Badgers lost 4-2 the last time out as Minnesota was crowned the WCHA Champions.
The Badgers have plenty of experience against Minnesota and look to continue their success against them in the semi-final match up. If the Wisconsin women’s hockey team advances to the final, they will be up against serious competition for their seventh title. Ohio State and Northeastern are the top two ranked schools in the country, with Ohio State being number one. The two teams have combined for seven losses this year along with 66 wins.
Wisconsin has played Ohio State four times this season and only won once. Two of the games went into overtime as the Badgers pressured the Buckeyes, but Ohio State seems to have the Badgers number. Northeastern, on the other hand, has only lost two games this season and could upset Ohio State in the semi-finals. Regardless of who makes the finals, the Wisconsin women’s hockey team will have a tough game ahead of them to get there.
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