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The collaborative offensive and defensive effort gave OSU (12-11-3 overall, 7-10-3 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) added confidence heading into a series with No. 3 Minnesota Duluth Friday and Saturday.
"That was a momentum builder for us," assistant captain Mallory Peckels said. "I think that gives us a lot of energy coming into this weekend."
Bonanno, a junior, was impenetrable between the pipes Friday. She stopped all 26 of the Purple Eagles' shots in the 4-0 victory. Sophomore defenseman Rachel Davis recorded two goals and an assist.
Freshman defenseman Teal Bishop scored her first career goal Friday and then found the net again Saturday on what was ultimately the game-winning goal in a 4-3 win.
OSU trailed 2-1 at the start of the third period, but Morgan Marziali took charge with two goals midway through the final stanza. She also assisted on Bishop's game winner.
"I was really impressed with the way we battled back on Saturday," OSU coach Jackie Barto said. "We found a way to win on the road. When you win two on the road, you have got to be pleased with what you accomplished."
OSU was without star senior defenseman Tessa Bonhomme, who was participating in a Team Canada camp. Nevertheless, the Buckeyes took care of business.
"You're missing one of the top players in the country and you're looking to see who's going to step up," Barto said. "A lot of people did."
Niagara (6-14-4) was the last foe on this season's non-conference schedule. OSU finished with a 5-1 record against non-conference opponents.
Senior forward Erin Keys had three assists Saturday. Senior defenseman Lisa Chesson, junior forward Hayley Klassen and Peckels, a senior forward, also had multiple points in the series.
After dropping two tough losses at home against Wisconsin Jan. 18 and Jan. 19, Davis said the team had a noticeable difference in attitude last week.
"You can see a change at practice," Davis said. "Instead of just trying to get through practice, we're going through each drill with as much energy as we can - very high-energy, high-tempo."
The Buckeyes are going to need that kind of energy when Minnesota Duluth brings its 22-3-1 record into Columbus Friday. In December, Minnesota Duluth swept OSU at their home rink by scores of 7-2 and 4-0.
"I think we have to play with an attitude," Barto said. "We can't give them too much respect. They're a good team, but we have to have confidence in ourselves. We have absolutely nothing to lose - there's no reason to not go for it."
OSU must also have another valiant effort from Bonanno if it wants to come out victorious.
"It was great to see her get a shutout and be able to see the good results," Barto said. "I think she is in a position to build on that play at Niagara."
Game time is set for 7:07 p.m. Friday and 4:07 p.m. Saturday at the OSU Ice Rink.
Frank Blechschmidt can be reached at blechschmidt.3@osu.edu.
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