MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — A top-tier women’s college hockey rivalry adds a new chapter Sunday when the Ohio State Buckeyes face the Wisconsin Badgers in a neutral-site showdown at Mariucci Arena.

The matchup features two of the nation’s premier teams. Ohio State (26-3-0) brings a nine-game winning streak, while Wisconsin (23-3-0) looks to rebound after a 4-1 home loss to the Buckeyes just one day earlier in Madison.

Saturday’s result shifted the dynamic of the weekend series. Ohio State’s Jordyn Petrie was dominant, scoring a goal and adding two assists. The junior forward is on a hot streak, recording eight points in her last seven games. Goaltender Hailey MacLeod was stellar with 30 saves in the victory.

Wisconsin will lean on goaltender Rhyah Stewart, who made 35 saves in Saturday’s defeat. The Badgers’ offense, which averaged over five goals per game prior to the loss, will need to solve MacLeod and the Buckeyes’ defense.

The season series is now tied 1-1-0. Wisconsin swept a December set in Columbus by scores of 2-1 and 6-1, meaning both teams have defended home ice convincingly. This neutral-ice contest breaks the pattern.

Statistical projections offer a split verdict. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 6-4 Badgers win, while its ELO rating system gives Ohio State a narrow 50.10% probability of victory.

The game carries significant weight for postseason positioning. Both teams are likely locks for the NCAA tournament, but the outcome could impact crucial Pairwise Rankings and conference standings.

After Sunday, Ohio State prepares for a series against Minnesota. Wisconsin travels to face Minnesota State next weekend.

Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. CST Sunday at the University of Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena.