The Lindenwood women's hockey team (2-14-0, 2-4-0 CHA) closes out the calendar year with a two-game set against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (16-2-2, 13-2-1 WCHA) from Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo. Game one on Friday, December 30 is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., while the series finale will begin at 2:10 p.m.
 
In their last series, the Lions dropped both games of a weekend tilt with Stonehill by scores of 2-1 and 5-3, respectively. The series opener was an overtime contest as Lindenwood drops to 1-2 in such games this season, with the lone win coming on November 19 in a 2-1 overtime victory against RIT.
 
Rachel Goff had a strong series against the Skyhawks, finding the back of the net in both games. The Naperville, Ill. native has scored four times in the last eight contests, bringing her total up to five on the year, which ranks second on the team.
 
The Lions scored three goals in the middle frame in game two, including one from Goff. Lindenwood has found the back of the net 12 times in the second period this season, its most of any frame on the year.
 
Goaltender Natalie Ferenc will look to continue her strong play this weekend. The West Bloomfield, Mich. native has stopped 412 shots this season, posting a .902 save percentage, both rank top 50 in NCAA Division I.
 
Ohio State enters the series, boasting the No. 1 ranking in the country. The Buckeyes are the defending national champion and are coming off a series sweep of Cornell a few weeks ago. Last season, Ohio State won both meetings against the Lions. Lindenwood has never defeated the Buckeyes in its NCAA Era.