Ohio State on tap for women

The Fighting Sioux women's hockey team suffered another set of tough losses last weekend, dropping both contests of their two-game series against the top ranked University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Sioux are now 5-17-4 overall, with six games remaining in the regular season.

Saturday's game against Duluth began on a positive note. The Sioux women seemed to have solved the offensive struggles that plagued them in their first two games against the Bulldogs, played in late October, in which the Sioux only managed to score two goals throughout that series.

It only took them one period to match that total this time around, as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead Saturday afternoon, and even led 2-1 at the end of the first period. With just 3:21 remaining in the third period and the Sioux hanging on to a 3-2 lead, Duluth Forward Audrey Cournoyer scored her second goal of the night to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Minnesota Duluth's leading goal scorer Emanuelle Blais went on to light the lamp just 1:59 into the OT period, and the Bulldogs walked away with a 4-3 victory. The Sioux could not manage to bounce back from the emotional loss on Sunday, and were shut out by a score of 5-0.

Up Next This weekend the Sioux women will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the Buckeyes of The Ohio State University.

When UND met the Buckeyes back in November, the Sioux had one of the best offensive games they have played this season, winning the Friday night game by a tally of 5-4. Ohio State rebounded to a 3-1 victory the following night to tie the season series at 1-1.

Neither team has been able to gain a lasting edge over the other in recent contests. The 2008-2009 season series ended tied at 2-2.

However, both of last season's Sioux victories came in the familiar confines of the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

The team will have to step up their play and take advantage of special teams opportunities if they are to find a way to topple the Buckeyes on enemy turf.

The Sioux will also need to slow down Ohio State Freshman Forward Hokey Langan, who leads the Buckeyes in goals with 18, and total points with 39. Her team leading 18 goals is also the highest total in the WCHA.

The Buckeyes are 13-11-4 on the season with a 6-4-4 record at home. They currently sit in sixth place in the WCHA standings, two spots ahead of the last place Fighting Sioux.