It was exactly the game a hockey fan would expect from two teams nationally ranked in the top-10.

The No. 5/6 University of Minnesota Duluth fell just short in its late game comeback, falling 4-3 to No. 7 Ohio State University Saturday in Columbus, Ohio at the OSU Ice Rink.  Although the Bulldogs again outshot the Buckeyes for a second consecutive game (34-32), OSU picked up the six Western Collegiate Hockey Association points.

The contest was a showcase of the league's up-and-coming talent, with the game's opening goal from OSU freshman Emma Maltais 4:02 into play.  The Bulldogs followed that with a tally from sophomore captain Sydney Brodt — her second goal of the season — 1:13 later.  UMD took its first lead of the series at the 8:07 mark, a power play goal from rookie forward Naomi Rogge.

That 2-1 advantage lasted until 7:15 of the second period, when OSU's Julianna Iafallo's power play goal knotted the game at 2-2.  The Buckeyes went ahead 3-2 just over 2:30 later, and tacked on another unanswered goal 1:04 into the third period.

Rogge and the Bulldogs struck back with 32 seconds remaining in the skate to draw within 4-3, but UMD's rally unfortunately succumbed to the clock

With two goals and an assist, Rogge led all scorers with three points.  Brodt had a goal and an assist for UMD, who falls to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the WCHA.

Jessica Convery made 28 saves for the Bulldogs, while OSU's Kassidy Sauve had 31.  With the win, the Buckeyes remain unbeaten on the season at 5-0-1 and 3-0-1 in league play.

UMD returns to AMSOIL Arena next weekend to host the University of Minnesota.  The Friday-Saturday series will get underway at 3:37 p.m. Friday.