Women’s D-I picks: Oct. 14

Nicole and I both did pretty well last week. I went 18-5-3, while she went 17-6-3. On the year, I am 38-10-5, while she is 37-11-5. Perhaps I can build on my slim lead in our season race.

Friday, Oct. 14

Merrimack at Maine
Candace: The Warriors got a good win last weekend, but I like home ice in this one. Maine 3-2
Nicole: Maine’s at home and has a few more games under their belt, so I’m picking the Black Bears. Maine 3-0

Boston College at New Hampshire
Candace: New Hampshire has often stole a win from the Eagles at home in past seasons, but I’ll go with the visitors. Boston College 3-2
Nicole: I have no idea what to think of BC yet, but I think they take this one. Boston College 4-1

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15

Ohio State at Bemidji State
Candace: Two teams that did well last weekend. I’ll go with a home sweep. Bemidji State 2-1, 3-1
Nicole: Both teams have performed well out of the gate and I expect a split. Bemidji State 3-2, Ohio State 3-1

Minnesota-Duluth at Minnesota
Candace: This one will be close once again. Duluth is currently flying high, but I have a hard time betting against the Gophers until proven otherwise. Minnesota 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: It’s difficult to pick against the Gophers at home, but UMD has the momentum and the desire to prove themselves. It won’t be easy — I think Minnesota will be smarting to erase last weekend’s loss, but I’m going to say a split, winning first. Minnesota 3-1, Tie 2-2

Minnesota State at North Dakota
Candace: North Dakota is at home, and Minnesota State hasn’t won in the WCHA in a while. North Dakota 3-2, 3-1
Nicole: NoDak will be fired up after the St. Cloud loss and looking to prove it was a fluke. They sweep. North Dakota 4-2, 3-1

Wisconsin at Clarkson
Candace: Clarkson isn’t quite there yet, and I just think the Badgers are stronger. Wisconsin 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: As Arlan said on Wednesday, I think the early-season difficulties will only make the Badgers stronger. They’re liking the view from the top and they don’t want to jeopardize it. Badgers sweep, but it’s not easy. Wisconsin 2-1, 2-1

Quinnipiac at Mercyhurst
Candace: Look for the Bobcats to continue winning. Quinnipiac 2-1, 3-1
Nicole: I don’t foresee the Bobcats getting their first loss this weekend. Quinnipiac 3-1, 2-0

Syracuse at Northeastern
Candace: In retrospect, maybe the losses to St. Lawrence weren’t as bad as they first appeared. Northeastern 2-1, 3-2
Nicole: It’s a bounce back opportunity for the Huskies — they’ll win. Northeastern 4-1, 3-1

Boston University at Penn State
Candace: After last weekend, I don’t see the Nittany Lions getting a split. Boston University 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: A tighter series than a few years ago, but I think BU sweeps. Boston University 2-0, 3-2

Union at RIT
Candace: RIT looked terrible again last weekend, while Union is riding high after finally getting a win. The Tigers should at least score this weekend. Union 2-1, 2-1
Nicole: I expect Union to continue to build on last week’s win. Maybe not too much of a flyer, but my big gamble is on Union sweeping. Union 2-1, 3-0

Vermont at Robert Morris
Candace: Vermont surprised last weekend against Boston University. I’ll take a split. Robert Morris 2-1, Vermont 3-1
Nicole: This should be a good barometer of Vermont. I have high expectations for Robert Morris, but am hedging my bets and calling for a split. Vermont 2-1, Robert Morris 4-1

Connecticut at Rensselaer
Candace: I’m taking a gamble and going with the a visiting team sweep. Connecticut 2-1, 3-1
Nicole: I’m excited to learn more about both of these teams from this meeting, so I’ll say split. Rensselaer 3-2, Connecticut 2-1

Saturday, Oct. 15

Boston College at Maine
Candace: Maine gave BC fits last week, but I like the Eagles once again. Boston College 3-2
Nicole: The Black Bears almost stole one in Boston last week, but I have a hard time picking against BC here. Call is close. Boston College 3-2

Merrimack at New Hampshire
Candace: Like Nicole, I think home ice matters here. New Hampshire 3-1
Nicole: Giving UNH the home-ice advantage for a win. New Hampshire 2-1

Tuesday, Oct. 18

Boston University at Northeastern
Candace: Hard game to pick. I think the Huskies are still finding their footing more than BU thought. Boston University 4-2
Nicole: I think the goalies are going to be crucial to this one and I’m putting my money on Brittany Bugalski. But I think it’ll be high scoring. Northeastern 5-3

Union at Providence
Candace: Union shows signs of improvement, but I think home ice does it. Providence 3-2
Nicole: Providence is at home and it’ll be Union’s third game in five days, so I’m going with the Friars. Providence 3-1