Wisconsin Edges Bemidji State in Overtime Thriller

Beavers' late comeback forces extra period before Badgers prevail in WCHA quarterfinal matchup.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Bemidji State women's hockey team nearly pulled off a stunning upset against top-ranked Wisconsin, tying the game in the final minute of regulation before the Badgers scored the game-winner in overtime to advance in the WCHA playoffs.

Why it matters

This hard-fought game highlighted the competitive nature of women's college hockey, with the underdog Beavers pushing the defending national champion Badgers to the brink. The result also raises questions about Wisconsin's vulnerability as it looks to repeat as titleholders.

The details

Trailing 2-1 in the final minute of regulation, Bemidji State's Morgan Smith scored a deflected goal to tie the game and force overtime. However, 74 seconds into the extra period, Wisconsin's Laila Edwards netted the game-winner to end the Beavers' season. The game featured several disallowed goals due to offside calls, adding to the drama.

  • The game was played on March 1, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Bemidji State took a 1-0 lead in the second period before Wisconsin scored twice to go up 2-1.
  • Morgan Smith's tying goal for Bemidji State came with just 26 seconds left in regulation.
  • Laila Edwards scored the overtime winner for Wisconsin 1 minute and 14 seconds into the extra period.

The players

Morgan Smith

A Bemidji State player who scored the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation.

Laila Edwards

The Wisconsin player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Badgers to victory.

Hannah Hogenson

The Bemidji State goaltender who made 56 saves in the team's previous matchup against Wisconsin.

Ava Hills

The Bemidji State goaltender who made 44 saves in this game against the Badgers.

Ava McNaughton

The Wisconsin goaltender who stopped 10 shots to extend the Badgers' winning streak over Bemidji State to 25 games.

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What’s next

The Badgers will advance to the WCHA semifinals, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime game showcased the competitive parity in women's college hockey, with the underdog Bemidji State team pushing the defending national champions to the brink. While Wisconsin prevailed, the Beavers' near-upset highlights the Badgers' vulnerability as they seek to repeat as champions.