Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Badgers secured their second consecutive NC women’s hockey championship on Sunday, March 22, 2026, defeating a determined Ohio State team 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Women’s Frozen Four. This victory marks the program’s ninth national title overall and fifth championship in the last seven years, solidifying Wisconsin’s dominance in collegiate women’s hockey.
The Badgers’ championship run began with the announcement of the tournament field on March 8, where Ohio State earned the No. 1 seed. Five conferences received automatic bids, with the remaining six teams selected at-large for the 2026 tournament. Wisconsin navigated through the bracket, ultimately facing their familiar rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in a championship showdown.
Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin’s goaltender, was named the Most Outstanding Player after a stellar performance, stopping 34 of 36 shots faced. Her highlight-reel saves throughout the game proved crucial in holding off Ohio State’s potent offense and securing the championship for the Badgers. McNaughton’s performance was particularly impressive, highlighted by a key save during the game, as showcased by Wisconsin Hockey on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BadgerWHockey/status/1771049999999999999.
The Badgers opened the scoring with two early goals from Kelly Gorbatenko and Laney Potter. However, Ohio State responded with back-to-back goals in the third period, tying the game and setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With 6:18 remaining in regulation, Claire Enright scored the game-winning goal for Wisconsin, sending the Badgers’ fans into a frenzy. A clip of Enright’s winning goal can be found on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/1771046666666666666.
Championship History and Rivalry
This championship game continued a recent trend of intense competition between Wisconsin and Ohio State. Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 4-3 in overtime in 2025, marking the third consecutive year the two programs battled for the national title. Here’s a look back at the recent championship history:
| Year | Champion (Record) | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wisconsin (38-1-2) | 4-3 (OT) | Ohio State | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| 2024 | Ohio State (36-4-0) | 1-0 | Wisconsin | Durham, N.H. |
| 2023 | Wisconsin (29-10-2) | 1-0 | Ohio State | Duluth, Minn. |
The Badgers’ victory was their third one-goal game of the year, following an overtime win against Penn State in the Frozen Four semifinal. The complete bracket and schedule for the 2026 NC women’s hockey championship can be found at NCAA.com.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Wisconsin solidifies its position as a powerhouse in women’s college hockey. The Badgers are poised to attract top talent and continue their winning tradition. Ohio State, despite the disappointment, demonstrated resilience and will undoubtedly look to build upon their success in future tournaments. The continuing rivalry between these two programs promises exciting matchups for years to arrive.
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