Gophers Down No. 1 Badgers in Overtime

Minnesota women's hockey team earns 3-2 victory over top-ranked Wisconsin

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The No. 3-ranked University of Minnesota women's hockey team earned a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 1 Wisconsin on Friday night at Ridder Arena. Sydney Morrow opened the scoring for the Gophers, but Wisconsin responded with two late goals in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. Avery Hovland tied the game in the third period, and Molly Jordan netted the game-winning goal in overtime to give Minnesota the win.

Why it matters

This victory over the top-ranked Badgers is a significant accomplishment for the Gophers, who remain the only team to beat Wisconsin this season. The win showcases Minnesota's strength and competitiveness in the WCHA conference.

The details

Sydney Morrow scored the opening goal for Minnesota just 3:47 into the first period. Wisconsin then scored two goals late in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. Avery Hovland tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period, and the game went to overtime. In the extra frame, Hannah Clark made a key save before Molly Jordan scored the game-winning goal 1:17 into overtime.

  • The game was played on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Morrow scored the opening goal 3:47 into the first period.
  • Wisconsin scored two goals late in the second period, at 14:28 and 15:28.
  • Hovland scored the tying goal 9:27 into the third period.
  • Jordan scored the game-winning goal 1:17 into overtime.

The players

Sydney Morrow

A Minnesota player who scored the opening goal for the Gophers.

Avery Hovland

A Minnesota player who scored the tying goal in the third period.

Molly Jordan

A Minnesota player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Hannah Clark

The Minnesota goaltender who made a key save in overtime.

Brad Frost

The head coach of the Minnesota women's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“An incredible game and a great atmosphere. There were over 3,000 people here in the stands. Just hearing the crowd go crazy when Avery Hovland tied it up in the second. Obviously Molly [Jordan]'s goal at the end of the game was huge as well. It was a really good effort with both teams a little short handed. We're really proud of our group, the way they stepped up, competed with one another and stayed with it.”

— Brad Frost, Head Coach (gophersports.com)

What’s next

The Gophers return to Ridder Arena Saturday for game two against Wisconsin. Saturday's contest is Minnesota's annual Gold Out game.

The takeaway

This victory over the top-ranked Badgers demonstrates the Gophers' strength and competitiveness in the WCHA conference. Minnesota's ability to rally from a one-goal deficit and win in overtime against the nation's best team is a testament to the team's resilience and skill.