DURHAM, N.H. – The second-ranked Wisconsin women's hockey team saw its 2023-24 season draw to a close on Sunday night after suffering a 1-0 setback to No. 1 Ohio State in the NCAA Frozen Four final at Whittemore Arena. 

Despite a back-and-forth 60 minutes, the Badgers (35-6-0) were unable to battle back after a Buckeye (35-4-0) score late in the third period. 

After nearly 53 minutes of no score, Ohio State broke the silence to gain the lead. UW outshot OSU, 9-8, in the final period, but were unable to capitalize. 

Ava McNaughton made 25 saves in the loss. The freshman completed her first season with a record of 20-3-0. 

Notes of the Game
- Wisconsin recorded an impressive 20 blocks in the setback. 
- The Badgers finished the season 35-6-0, with the 35 victories tying for the fourth most in school history. 
- Sunday marked UW's 11th appearance in the NCAA championship game. 
- Wisconsin's 15th NCAA Frozen Four appearances are tied for the most of any school in the

Straight from the Rink
UW Head Coach Mark Johnson
On the game:
"Anytime you get in this position and you work with a group of players play season and you're so close, but yet so far away from, you know, getting the championship trophy. I mean, it stays that it hurts and it should, these kids put a lot of time with a lot of energy, they commit themselves, they go through adversity. We ended up winning 35 games this year and as they told the squad after the game, I mean, once, once the thing goes away and the hurt subsides, you reflect on your season, There's a lot for them to be proud of. We still have a young team.I thought they did well this afternoon, they gave us an opportunity to win the game."