CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. — No. 1 Wisconsin staved off a ferocious attack from No. 3 Northeastern for a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory in the Battle at the Burgh championship game at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Northeastern carried the play to begin the first period, leading the Badgers in shots halfway through the frame. Momentum turned in favor of the Badgers with 5:19 left in the period as sophomore winger Britta Curl scored to give the Badgers the lead. Wisconsin maintained the attack, causing mass confusion for the Huskies and as a result received another chance on the power-play. Abby Roque cashed in on a sharp angle shot, and the Badgers had a 2-0 lead to take to the locker room.
The second period was different story for Northeastern, controlling the flow of the game and putting pressure on the Badgers. When Wisconsin found themselves in penalty trouble Alina Mueller made them pay, finding the back of the net just under three minutes into the period. The one goal deficit didn’t last long, as Tessa Ward carried the puck in on a 2-on-1 and shot just under the blocker to draw the score to even. Wisconsin pushed back late in the period but was unable to find the back of the cage.
In the third, both teams showcased why they were in the top three in the nation, as Wisconsin again captured the lead with Daryl Watts striking to give the Badgers a 3-2 lead. Wisconsin again saw their lead dwindle as Skylar Fontaine hoisted the puck into the net to make it three-all.
The overtime period started fast as both teams traded chances. With under a minute to play in the overtime period and Northeastern’s Brooke Hobson in the penalty box, Caitlin Schneider stashed home a rebound from the top of the crease for the victory.
“It was awesome to score and then be able to celebrate with my team afterwards”, said Schneider.
