MASCAC picks: Jan. 24

A couple of big upsets in the MASCAC last week, including a 4-3 victory for Worcester Sate over Plymouth State. Also, as mentioned before in my previous article, the hungrier Westfield State Owls cruised past Salem Sate, 6-1, to pick up two valuable points in the standings.
It is all MASCAC games from here on out, which only means that we can see more upsets like these, or on the flip side, start to see teams solidify their spot in the conference.
This should be a good week, with six conference games on the docket.
Let’s take a look at the picks.
Thursday, Jan. 24
Salem Sate Vikings (8-7-1) at Framingham State Rams (2-13-1)
Salem State has dropped two in a row, including that lopsided loss to Westfield State last week. In those two defeats, the Vikings have given up 10 goals, and only scored a pair. For Framingham State, it has been a rough season, but the Rams have been in close battles as of late. The Rams lost two and tied one, but have tallied eight in the past three games. Too much Salem State though, as the Vikings get the win. Salem State 5-2
Mass.-Dartmouth Corsairs (6-5-4) at Plymouth State Panthers (12-5-0)
First place takes on second place in this MASCAC tilt. The Panthers are looking to rebound from a tough defeat to Worcester State, while the Corsairs have tied in their last two games. Plymouth State is a bit deeper up front and is getting solid play in net. The Panthers are close to perfect at home, and it will be a tough test for Mass.-Dartmouth. I like Plymouth in a close one to stay atop the standings. Plymouth State 3-2
Fitchburg State Falcons (6-8-2) at Westfield State Owls (10-6-1)
Westfield State is coming off one its biggest wins in program history after convincingly beating Salem State, 6-1. That could be the win the Owls needed to pick up confidence heading into the postseason. Fitchburg has been up and down a lot this season, trading wins with losses. With the way the Owls are playing, and coming home after that win, they take this one from the Falcons. Westfield State 4-1
Picks to date: 19-8-4 (42 points)