Weekend picks: Jan. 23

Another weekend, another slew of high-excitement games in women’s Division III puck.

What’s the scoop on this weekend? Candace and Matt take their picks.

Friday/Saturday, Jan. 23-24,

No. 4 Middlebury at No. 10 Bowdoin
Candace: Middlebury’s stretch against ranked teams continues. The Panthers couldn’t get a win against Amherst, but I think they pull off the sweep in Maine. Middlebury 3-2, 3-1
Matt: Middlebury has played three straight overtime games, beating Utica 10 days ago and tying both with Amherst last weekend. The Panthers need to win in regulation to get back on track and they do that here against a game Bowdoin squad. Give Middlebury a 4-2 win Friday and then a 2-1 win on Saturday.

No. 7 Wisconsin-River Falls at No. 9 Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Candace: Can you say splitsville? Like Matt, I think Wis.-Stevens Point gets the first win, and Wis.-River Falls comes back Saturday. Wis.-Stevens Point 3-2, Wis.-River Falls 4-2
Matt: This may be the matchup of the weekend. I’m not a fan of predicting ties and though we could see one or maybe two here, I’ll call a split. Give Friday’s win to Stevens Point 3-1 on a late empty-netter and Saturday’s to River Falls with a 4-3 final.

No. 6 Gustavus Adolphus vs. St. Mary’s  (home-and-home)
Candace: St. Mary’s will make the home ice game tough, but I see Gustavus with the sweep. Gustavus Adolphus 4-2, 3-2
Matt: St. Mary’s has a winning record and should be a formidable opponent for Gustavus. While each team plays a game with home-ice advantage, I say GAC wins both – 4-1 Friday and then 2-0 on Saturday.