WACO, TEXAS — Ohio St. pulled off a stunning upset over fifth-ranked Baylor on Sunday, winning 2-1 in double overtime in front of 202 fans at a neutral site. The Buckeyes, riding a three-game winning streak, broke through in the 105th minute when Anika Poremba finished a chance set up by Amanda Schlueter to secure one of the tournament's most dramatic victories.
The match remained scoreless through 90 minutes of regulation despite relentless attacking from both sides. Ohio St. dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, outshooting Baylor 34-11 overall and 12-5 on target. The Buckeyes' pressure finally paid dividends in the 65th minute when Schlueter converted to give Ohio St. a 1-0 lead. Baylor equalized just four minutes later through Kai Hayes, setting up a tense final stretch that sent the match to overtime.
The first half saw Ohio St. control the tempo with aggressive movement and sharp passing. Ava Bramblett, Elle Britt, and Jadin Bonham created problems for Baylor's defense throughout the opening 45 minutes, though neither team found the back of the net. Baylor's defense, anchored by Lauren Omholt and Hannah Augustyn, managed to absorb the pressure despite being pinned back for long stretches. The hosts offered little going forward, with Theresa McCullough and Aryanna Jimison unable to generate consistent chances.
After the break, Ohio St. continued its attacking approach with fresh legs. The Buckeyes earned 15 corner kicks compared to Baylor's four, a stark illustration of their territorial advantage. Baylor goalkeeper made 10 saves to keep her team in the contest, while Ohio St.'s keeper recorded four stops. The defensive intensity remained high on both sides, with neither team willing to surrender space cheaply.
Schlueter's breakthrough in the 65th minute came after sustained pressure from the Buckeyes. The goal appeared to have settled the match, but Hayes responded immediately to level the score and force extra time. The equalizer breathed new life into Baylor's campaign and set up a frantic finale to regulation.
The first overtime period saw both teams probe for an opening without finding one. Ohio St. continued to dominate possession and created the better chances, but Baylor's defense held firm. Callie Tumilty came close with a shot that hit the woodwork, while Mia McSweeney tested the Baylor goalkeeper multiple times. The second overtime period followed a similar pattern, with Ohio St.'s relentless pressure finally breaking through.
Poremba's winning goal in the 105th minute capped a dominant performance by the Buckeyes, who controlled the match from start to finish. The victory showcases Ohio St.'s attacking depth and resilience under pressure, with Schlueter's two-goal performance highlighting the team's offensive capabilities. Despite the loss, Baylor's defense kept the fifth-ranked Bears competitive throughout a grueling 120-minute battle.
The result sends Ohio St. into its next tournament matchup with momentum, while Baylor goes home. OU plays FSU in the Elite 8.