I had to dig back a few posts to find my pick record and then combine it with last week’s picks, a seemingly simple task turned into a challenge for the mathematically impaired. By my count, I’m sitting at 57-35 entering the weekend, although in the words of one famous politician, that’s some fuzzy math. Here’s a glance at the weekend ahead, along with scores from conference midweek action.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Salem State at Framingham State: Two teams likely headed in the opposite direction this season have been going the opposite direction lately. The Rams gathered their first two wins of the season, going 2-1 over their last three games, while the Vikings are just 1-1-1 over that span. Salem State won handily, 9-1, during the team’s first meeting of the year in December, and should have little trouble this time around. Salem State 7, Framingham State 2
Westfield State at Fitchburg State: Winners of seven of their last eight, Fitchburg State takes on Westfield State, who slid into last place over the past week. The Owls gave UMass-Dartmouth all they could handle last Saturday. It’s too early to play spoiler: Westfield has to start racking up the points in they want grab the last MASCAC playoff spot, but I don’t see that happening against the Falcons. Fitchburg State 5, Westfield State 1
UMass-Dartmouth at Worcester State: A good matchup between two teams who are solid in their own zone and emphasis a grind it out, chippy kind of play. These teams hung together near the top of the standings just a short while ago, but have slowed a bit since the break (UMD is 2-3, while Worcester State is 2-2). The Lancers came up just short against the Corsairs last time out. Look for Worcester State to have the slight edge at home. Worcester State 2, UMass-Dartmouth 1.
Franklin Pierce at Plymouth State: A rare non-conference matchup this weekend. The Panthers still may have some kinks to work out, but a 9-1-5 record is hardly reason for distress. PSU hasn’t lost since the second game of the season, and if they do lose again, it won’t be Saturday. Plymouth State 5, Franklin Pierce 2
Suffolk at Nichols: Both teams need to get some points to move up the conference standings. Nichols thrashed Johnson & Wales earlier in the week, and they’d have to be the favorites here. Nichols 4, Suffolk 2
Johnson & Wales at Western New England: The Wildcats were dealt their first conference loss of the season against Nichols Wednesday. The Wildcats are in a first place tie with idle Becker. Look for them to get back on track in Springfield and secure a spot in first all alone at the end of the weekend. Johnson & Wales 6, Western New England 4
Salve Regina at Curry: After a brutal non-conference schedule, Curry got back on track with a 4-3 win over Wentworth Thursday. The Seahawks have one win on the year and are coming off a 10-0 loss to Connecticut College. Curry 6, Salve Regina 2
Midweek Scores
Wednesday
Nichols 8, JWU 4
Thursday
Curry 4, Wentworth 3
Western New England 6, Suffolk 5
Framingham State 3, Worcester State 2
Fitchburg State 5, Salem State 3
Plymouth State 4, UMass-Darmouth 1
