No. 4 Penn State women’s hockey (0-1-0, 0-0-0 AHA) was defeated by No. 2 Ohio State (1-0-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) 2-1 in overtime at Pegula Ice Arena in both teams’ season openers.

Freshman Morgan Stickney had 44 saves. Grace Outwater netted the lone goal for the Nittany Lions as Penn State fell to the Buckeyes.

How It Happened

Kylie Amelkovich won the opening draw for Penn State. Ohio State took over, but entered the zone offsides.

The first penalty of the game came at 12:38 in the first period against Lorelai Nelson for tripping near the Ohio State bench on Mira Jungaker.

Penn State cleared the zone once and took four shots, but were not able to get any on goal during the power play.

Ohio State’s Jenna Raunio was sent to the box with 1:10 left in the first period for interference. The Nittany Lions were unable to convert on the power play.

Penn State’s first shot came two minutes into the second period off Outwater’s stick on a breakaway play, but she was stopped by Ohio State goaltender Genny Klein.

Mikah Keller was slashed by Maxine Cimoroni 5:53 into the second period as she sent a one-time pass to Nicole Hall. Penn State was not able to net any of the two power play shots.

The first goal of the game came from Ohio State’s Kaia Malachino with 9:16 left in the second period after the puck deflected off Danica Maynard on its way to the net.

Ohio State’s Leah Wicks took a nasty hit from Nelson as the Buckeyes advanced to their second power play of the game with 9:43 in the second period.

Abby Stonehouse was sent to the penalty box alongside Ohio State’s Jocelyn Amos for elbowing and roughing, respectively, with 8:44 left in the second period. The Nittany Lions returned to full strength with 7:35 remaining in the frame.

Penn State quickly headed back to the power play with a boarding penalty called on McDonald well into the second period. 

Penn State’s first goal of the season came 12 seconds into the third period by Outwater to tie the score at one after Stonehouse’s initial shot was blocked.

3rd | 19:48 | PENN STATE GOAL!

Grace Outwater opens the scoring for the Nittany Lions for the 2026-27 season 12 seconds into the third period!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/GI8jEhmlmC

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) September 24, 2026

The first penalty of the third period came with 14:31 left as Nelson took her second of the game for tripping, sending the Buckeyes to their fourth power play of the game. They were unable to use the advantage to their favor.

Penn State was quick to draw a man-up advantage. Ohio State’s Kassidy Carmichael headed to the penalty box for tripping.

Outwater had the best chance on the power play, but her wrist shot was covered by Klein.

With 9:18 left in the third period, Ohio State’s Joy Dunne and Penn State’s Maynard both hit the penalty box for roughing.

Penn State was quickly back on the power play with 6:57 left in the third frame as the Buckeyes received a two-minute bench minor for too many men on the ice, served by Wicks. Penn State had a good look, but was unable to connect as the Buckeyes were able to kill the power play.

After extended offensive zone time, Kate Viel of the Buckeyes went to the penalty box for boarding. Ashley Kokavec had the best look for the Nittany Lions, but was not able to connect.

Forty-six seconds into overtime, Dunne netted the game winner for Ohio State, securing the 2-1 win.

Takeaways

• Ohio State controlled possession for most of the first period. Penn State goalkeeper Morgan Stickney made her college debut and recorded 44 saves against the Buckeye offense.
• Despite blocking 26 shots and Stickney making 44 saves, Penn State was not able to come through.
• Penn State had seven power play chances, but was unable to score on any of them.

What’s Next?

The two teams will be back in action at 4 p.m on Friday, September 25, at Pegula Ice Arena. Folks can watch along on Big Ten Plus.