This weekend, two games may be a major preview for what to expect at the national tournament in short order.
In a series, that needs no formal introduction, No. 1 Plattsburgh plays two at No. 2 Elmira on Saturday and Sunday.
That above sentence speaks volumes, says plenty.
So who wins?
Friday, Jan. 29
St. Anselm at Franklin Pierce
Candace: I sometimes think St. Anselm should go D-I. In any event, I think they win a close one here. St. Anselm 3-2
Matt: This is a battle of unranked teams that have spectacular records. And yeah, I know they’re Division II schools. St. Anselm is 15-2-0; Franklin Pierce 12-3-1. Let’s go with the visitors taking this. St. Anselm 5-3
Friday-Saturday, Jan. 29-30
No. 3 Adrian at St. Norbert
Candace: St. Norbert is a battling team, and this series might be closer than anticipated, but I like Adrian to sweep. Adrian 4-2, 3-2
Matt: Just like the men’s version of this series last weekend, these two games will be fought tooth and nail. It just seems with Adrian that the Bulldogs are on a mission. Take away Elmira and Plattsburgh and AC could easily rule the roost in D-III. I like an Adrian sweep here. Adrian 4-1, 4-1.
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 30-31
Plattsburgh at Elmira
Candace: Elmira might be the only team that could end Plattsburgh’s bid for perfection, but I like the Cardinals to escape. Plattsburgh 2-1, 3-2
Matt: I give Elmira its due — the Soaring Eales are good. Make that really good. Plattsburgh, though, is in its own section of “really good.” I see the Cardinals taking both in close games — it won’t be easy to close out Elmira. Plattsburgh 3-2, 2-1
Tuesday, Feb. 2
No. 7 Middlebury at No. 10 Norwich
Candace: Another chapter in the battle for Vermont. I like the Panthers in a close one. Middlebury 3-2
Matt: Middlebury should sweep Hamilton this weekend and then head to Norwich with momentum — and a victory — to end Norwich’s momentum after what I’ll say will be two wins this weekend at Plymouth State and Massachusetts-Boston. Middlebury 3-1
