Tonight’s game was a tale of two teams. Not talking about the Robert Morris Colonials versus the Ohio State Buckeyes, but referencing the two different teams that wore a colonial on the front of their chests.

The first, of these two teams, was sluggish, outmatched, undisciplined and outplayed RMU women’s hockey team. This team played for the first 10 minutes of the game and sporadically throughout the remainder of the game.  Before the arena seats were warm the score was already 3-0 in favor of the visiting Buckeyes.

Ohio State’s goals were scored by Liz Schepers, her second goal of the season, just 3:36 into the game. The Buckeyes would score again with a power-play goal by Grace Zarzecki, her third goal of the season. The goal came just five seconds after the penalty was called. Less than 90 seconds later, 78 seconds to be exact, Ohio State scored again. Dani Sadek scored, her second goal of the season, for the Buckeyes 9:34 into the first period.

Coach Paul Colontino needed to rally his troops. He called his only timeout with 10:34 remaining in the first period. When asked about his timeout message Colontino had this to say.

“This isn’t us. We came out pretty flat, very hesitant. It was almost like the deer in the headlights. We really just need to wake up and start playing.”   “We were just soft in all areas. We went out and for whatever reason wanted to see what was going to happen. Not waiting to see what was going to happen just wondering what was going to happen.” said Colontino.

The Buckeyes would add yet another goal late in the first period; this one coming off the stick of Tatum Skaggs. This goal was her ninth of the season but more importantly second of four power-play goals for Ohio State in this game.

Both teams headed off the ice at the end of the first period with two different morals. At the end of the first period, the score was Ohio State 4 the RMU Colonials 0. The second period loomed in the distance.

The Colonials came out of the locker room looking to make up for lost ground. They also had a new net-minder behind them. Starting goalie Elijah Milan-Price was replaced with Lauren Bailey. Robert Morris came out with new life, as well as an aggressive attitude, and it paid off. Just 5:26 into the second frame Aneta Ledlova scored for the Colonials. This was her first goal of the season. Another goal by Tatum Skaggs pushed the lead back to four in favor of the Buckeyes. Yet another power-play goal for her in this game.

In the third period, the Colonials finally looked like themselves, but it was too little too late. The Buckeyes added two more goals. Tatum Skaggs completed the hat-trick with an early goal. RMU would counter with a goal by Angelica Diffendal, her second in this campaign. The big red machine of Ohio State wasn’t done. Carly Dahlquist scored a controversial goal to make it a 7-2 hockey game. Brittany Howard added a late goal, number 15 for her this year. When the final horn sounded the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes rolled the ninth-ranked Robert Morris Colonials.

The biggest loss, however, did not appear on the scoreboard. With time dwindling down Kirsten Welsh was tossed out of the game. The frustration mounted during some extracurricular activities. Welsh crossed checked an Ohio State Buckeye across the back of the head. For her actions, Welsh will now miss tomorrow’s game against the Buckeyes.

This loss is being viewed as a learning opportunity by Coach Paul Colontino.

“It’s a great reminder. There are areas that we need to work on and get better. It’s a reminder of how important special teams can be. We were 0-7 on the power play and they were 4-10. That makes it hard to win games.”  said Colontino.