Wisconsin Badgers
23-2-2, 17-2-2
Minnesota
23-4-0, 17-4-0
No. 1 Wisconsin falls to No. 3 Minnesota in overtime
January 30, 2026 | Women's Hockey
Badgers fight the whole way in 3-2 loss
MINNEAPOLIS — The No. 1 Wisconsin women's hockey team (23-2-2, 17-2-2) lost to the No. 3 Minnesota Gophers this Friday, falling 3-2 in overtime.
The Badgers took a 2-1 lead in the second period, before the Gophers tied things up in the third. Minnesota ultimately came away with the extra-period score to earn the victory at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers were quick to strike first, scoring on their second shot of the game. The Badgers had a few great looks in the first period of play. Junior Cassie Hall nearly found the back of the net off a rebound, but UW was unable to capitalize in the first twenty minutes.
Captain Lacey Eden finally put the Badgers on the board with just 5:32 remaining in the second period. Eden's goal was assisted by alternate captain Kelly Gorbateko.
Less than a minute later, Finley McCarthy received the puck from McKayla Zilisch and made it 2-1 for UW. McCarthy had just crossed the blue line when she ripped a top-shelf shot that snuck past goaltender Hannah Clark.
The third period began scoreless for both teams until the Gophers tied things up with 10:33 remaining.
The game went into overtime, where the Gophers were quickly able to take home the win for game one of the series.
Freshman goaltender Rhyah Stewart made her first career conference start and recorded 24 saves.Â
UW went shot-for-shot with the Gophers, 27-27,Â
Up Next: The Badgers face the Gophers again tomorrow at Ridder Ice Arena to close the series.Â
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