BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team fell to No. 2 Ohio State University, 6-3, in a hard-fought matchup Saturday at Sanford Center to end the 2025-26 regular season. The Beavers scored the most goals against Ohio State since February 11, 2022, showcasing a strong offensive effort despite the loss. BSU goaltender Kaitlin Groess made 33 saves across three periods, including 14 in the final frame, but the Buckeyes secured the win with a strong second period, scoring three times.
 
Senior Raeley Carney made an impact on Senior Day scoring a goal and assist in the game while linemate Hannah Graves scored her first collegiate goal and added assist for her first multiple point effort. Junior Shelby Sandberg collected two assists as the line of Carney, Graves and Sandberg was productive for the Beavers. Kate Johnson found the net once, scoring the Beavers' first goal and her second of the season.
 
Bemidji State gave an all-out effort in the defensive zone as well blocking a season-high 26 shots in the game.
 
The first period opened with Bemidji State and Ohio State trading shots, but it was Bemidji State's Johnson who broke the deadlock at 15:33, scoring off assists from Senja Leeper and Elly Klepinger. However, OSU responded swiftly. Sloane Matthews equalized at 4:42, capitalizing on a delayed penalty with help from Maxine Cimoroni and Emma Peschel. The Buckeyes then took the lead when Kaia Malachino scored unassisted at 3:55. The period concluded with OSU holding a narrow 2-1 advantage.
 
Bemidji State evened the game early in the second period when Carney scored just 14 seconds in with assists from Sandberg and Graves for the fourth fastest goal to start a period in program history. However, OSU responded swiftly, equalizing at 11:21 with a goal from Sara Swiderski, assisted by Cimoroni and Matthews. The Buckeyes then took control with a quick succession of goals, including Cimoroni's game-winner at 11:10 and Peschel's tally at 9:15, both assisted by Jocelyn Amos. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, OSU's efficient scoring defined the period, ending with a 5–2 lead.
 
Ohio State maintained its lead in the third period despite Bemidji State's efforts to close the gap. Graves scored for Bemidji State at 18:43 with assists from Sandberg and Carney, bringing the score to 5-3. OSU's defense held strong, and Malachino secured the win with an empty-net goal at 00:36, assisted by Brooke Disher and Amos.
 
Bemidji State finishes the regular season with a record of 6-25-3 overall and 3-24-1 in conference play. The Beavers now get ready for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs and will travel to either Ohio State or University of Wisconsin for a best-of-three series next weekend.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's hockey program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X or Instagram, or like them on Facebook.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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