Two enticing match-ups, both out of the NCHA head this week’s picks. St. Scholastica hosts Lake Forest and Adrian hopes to continue to impress amongst the pollsters in taking on St. Norbert.
ECAC DIV-III EAST
Friday Nov. 22
Massachusetts-Boston at Holy Cross
The Crusaders have made the most of play at friendly Hart Athletic Center, winning both home contests. Massachusetts-Boston came back from a 3-0 deficit on the road against ranked Manhattanville, closing the gap to 3-2 before the Valiants sealed the win with an empty net score. The Beacons concluded the game with a 42-25 advantage in shots on goal. It’s evident that the Beacons can put shots on opposing goalies in quantity. With a team shot percentage of 4.5 percent however, making those bids count will be the key against the Crusaders who are hitting the mark at nearly triple the rate of MB. Holy Cross 4, Massachusetts-Boston 2
NCHA
Friday Nov. 22, Saturday Nov. 23
St. Norbert at Adrian
Freshman Rachel Koppang leads the Green Knights in scoring but has been held to one goal over her last three games. Fortunately, forwards Ali Parker and Lauren Roethlisberger have reeled in the slack combining for four goals and six helpers over the span. Adrian’s Kelsey Kusch has created havoc for opposing defenders as evidenced by her 11 points. Additionally, the Bulldogs specialty teams have numbers in their favor. Kusch has led a power play that is steaming along with a 26.1 percentage. Adrian 5 St. Norbert 3, Adrian 3 St. Norbert 3
Lake Forest at St. Scholastica
The offensive numbers are bound to add up to the gaudy level with this anticipated early season set. Both clubs average over 40 shots per game and the respective power play units are dangerous- St. Scholastica checks in at 41.4 percent while the visitors are hitting at 32.1. The Foresters Michelle Greeneway is 2-3-5 over her last two, and Morgan Pope has registered two multi goal games thus far. More than a few sub plots in this one including opposing goalies and cousins Casey Hartfiel and the Saints Lindsay Hartfiel. St. Scholastica 5-3, 4-3
ECAC DIV-III WEST
Saturday Nov. 23, Sunday Nov.24
Oswego at Chatham
Oswego has had eleven different players score goals through its six games. Catherine Cote and Bridget Smith have allowed just seven goals combined in splitting time in net for the Lakers. Chatham’s penalty killing crew has been solid with a 90-plus success rate and freshman Brianna Rice has made a large impact on the offensive front but the Cougars will have to get a full collective effort this time out. Oswego 6-1, 5-0
MIAC
Friday Nov.22, Saturday Nov.23
St. Olaf at St. Thomas home and home
The Oles gave Wisconsin-Stevens Point a scare in a 3-2 overtime loss in the season opener. Last week they provided another strong effort in a 4-2 defeat against Adrian. Seniors Mary-Grace Flesher and Jenny Saxon give the Tommies a flash of pop up upfront. A sweep in this series puts the victorious team in the mix in regard to the early MIAC standings. St. Thomas 2-1, St. Olaf 3-1
