Ohio State tops Minnesota Duluth to win first NCAA women's hockey national championship

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Kenzie Hauswirth scored with 6:40 remaining to propel Ohio State over Minnesota Duluth 3-2 in the women's Div. I NCAA hockey championship on Sunday.

It is the first national title in program history for the top-ranked Buckeyes, who finished 32-6.

Minnesota Duluth, who like Ohio State plays in the WCHA conference, was trying for its sixth national title, and first since 2010. The Bulldogs finished 27-12-1.

Hauswirth's shot from the left side went in after bouncing off the skate of Minnesota Duluth defender Brenna Fuhrman.

The third period had plenty of scoring. Clair DeGeorge put the Buckeyes ahead 2-1 in the opening minute of the period with an unassisted goal off a Bulldogs turnover. Two minutes later, Elizabeth Giguere tied 2-2.

After a scoreless first period, Minnesota Duluth got on the board with a goal by Naomi Rogge.

The Buckeyes answered eight minutes later when Paetyn Levis scored on an assist from DeGeorge. It was Levis' 24th goal of the season.

Ohio State outshot Minnesota Duluth 39-19.

While the Buckeyes were in their first national title game, OSU coach Nadine Muzerall has plenty of experience in the finale. During her five-year stint as an assistant coach for Minnesota prior to taking over at Ohio State, she won four national titles (2012-13-15-16). She also won two national championships as a player for the Gophers in 2000 and 2001.