In game one of a series with national ranking implications, No.7 Ohio State held the No. 9/10 University of Minnesota Duluth just out of reach, dealing the Bulldogs a 3-1 loss at OSU Ice Rink in Columbus, Ohio.  

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association showdown was the first setback for UMD in five games, and continues the home team's rink advantage -- neither team has won on the other's ice sheet since the Bulldogs defeated OSU back on Oct. 29, 2016.

After a scoreless first period, the Buckeyes struck first when Tatum Skaggs polished off a rebound on the back post at 13:21 of the second period.  That score -- and Maddie Rooney would hold into the second intermission, despite plenty of OSU shots.  Through the first two periods of play, the Buckeyes owned a 31-17 shots on goal advantage.

The Bulldogs flipped the shot chart -- and the game's momentum -- upside down,  capitalizing at 8:47 of the third period.  Sophomore center Gabbie Hughes buried her ninth goal of the season, finishing off a pass from senior blueliner Jalyn Elmes to draw the skate even at 1-1.  Senior forward Syndey Brodt, just days removed from competing at the joint U.S. National Team camp, had the second assist on Hughes' goal.

Skaggs and OSU took advantage of a Buckeye power play at 13:47 to take a 2-1 lead -- one OSU would never relinquish despite 17 UMD shots on goal (to 10 OSU shots) in the final 20 minutes of play.  The Buckeyes added an empty-net tally with just five seconds left in regulation to secure the final 3-1 score.

Rooney was outstanding between the pipes, turning away 38 of OSU's 40 shots against her.  Her counterpart in net for OSU, Lynsey Wallace, made 33 saves for the Buckeyes, who improve to 8-3-2 overall in 6-3-2 in the WCHA.

The Bulldogs (7-4-0, 4-3-0) will hit the ice tomorrow afternoon in game two of the series -- the puck will drop at 2:07 p.m.

BULLDOG NOTES:  OSU's power play goal was the first extra skater marker UMD has allowed in four games ... Friday night's game was also the first time the Bulldogs have been held to three or less goals in five games.