For the first time since 2022 and the third time in program history, The Ohio State Buckeyes claimed the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Faceoff title after a 2-1 defeat of top-seeded Wisconsin. 

Box Score & Recap 
#2 Ohio State 2, #1 Wisconsin 1 - Box Score
After a scoreless first two periods of action, Wisconsin's Lacey Eden lit the lamp for the Badgers 10 minutes into the third period for the game's first goal. Hilda Svensson then responded for the Buckeyes with the equalizer at the 14:30 mark of the period as Emma Peschel and Jocelyn Amos recorded assists on the goal. Just over two minutes later, Ohio State's Jordan Baxter scored what would stand as the game-winning goal off an assist from Peschel to lead the Buckeyes to victory. Baxter was named the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff Most Outstanding Player after her game-winning goal. Ohio State's Peschel, Sloane Matthews, Svensson, and MacLeod were also named to the All-Tournament Team. Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey and Kirsten Simms were also named to the team. MacLeod made 28 saves in the win, while Wisconsin's McNaughton made a career high 38 saves despite the loss. 

2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff Most Outstanding Player
Jordan Baxter, Jr., Forward - Ohio State
 
2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff All-Tournament Team
Forward: Hilda Svensson, Fr., Ohio State
Forward: Sloane Matthews, Sr., Ohio State
Forward: Kirsten Simms, Sr., Wisconsin 
Defender: Caroline Harvey, Sr., Wisconsin  
Defender: Emma Peschel, Sr., Ohio State 
Goaltender Hailey MacLeod, Sr., Ohio State

UP NEXT
Ohio State earned the league's automatic qualifier to represent the WCHA in the 2026 NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship. The Buckeyes await the selection show, which will air on ESPNU on Sunday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. CT 

For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.