This weekend kicks off women’s D-I play again. In my final weekend of the first half, I closed strong, going 11-2-3, moving to 207-62-29 on the season.
Let’s see if I can start 2016 off with a bang.
Friday, Jan. 1
Brown at Princeton
The Tigers have done well against teams below them in the ECAC, and need this one. Princeton 3-1
Yale at Quinnipiac
No way do the Elis surprise the Bobcats a second time. Quinnipiac 4-2
Saturday, Jan. 2
Yale at Princeton
This one will be closer, but I like the Tigers to get a good start to their second half. Princeton 3-2
Brown at Quinnipiac
The Bobcats should take this one pretty easily. Quinnipiac 4-1
Dartmouth at Northeastern
The Big Green’s confidence was shattered by Wisconsin, and Northeastern’s offense is too good. Northeastern 4-1
Vermont at Union
I’m tempted to pick the Dutchwomen, but they’d probably only tie in that event. Vermont 3-2
Saturday-Sunday, Jan 2-3
Rensselaer at Mercyhurst
The Engineers are so up and down, so I like the Lakers to sweep, with one being super close. Mercyhurst 3-2, 4-2
Penn State at Ohio State
Both teams have been pretty up and down so far. Penn State hasn’t won since mid-November, closing the first half on a 1-9-4 run. The Buckeyes can at least look to beating North Dakota and Vermont in late November. Ohio State 2-1, 3-2
Providence at Robert Morris
Another hard series to call. I like a split. Robert Morris 2-1, Providence 3-2
Sunday-Monday, Jan. 3-4
Lindenwood at Minnesota State
The Mavericks have done better out of conference, though Lindenwood presents a tough challenge. Lindenwood 2-1, Minnesota State 3-2
Monday, Jan. 4
Merrimack at Vermont
The Warriors have fallen on hard times since a decent start. Vermont showed signs of life over the last couple of weeks of the first half. Vermont 3-1
Colgate at Syracuse
This will be a close one, but I like the Raiders to pull it out. Colgate 3-2
Tuesday, Jan. 5
Connecticut at Northeastern
Elaine Chuli will only be able to hold off Kendall Coyne and company for so long. Northeastern 4-2
Wednesday, Jan. 6
Merrimack at St. Lawrence
Look for the Saints to get a crucial win here. St. Lawrence 3-1
Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 6-7
Lindenwood at Bemidji State
A battle of two defensive-minded teams should still be a sweep for the Beavers. Bemidji State 2-1, 2-1
