Game 1: #1 Maryland vs. #8 Ohio State
Maryland tore through conference play this season, only losing one match to Northwestern at the end of September. They have been the number two team in the country for much of the season and have been a juggernaut all season long. Ohio State on the other hand had a season with a few upset wins, but mostly a good number of losses. The Buckeyes went 6-11 this season which included a 6-0 loss to Maryland. Ohio State's chances are not great on Thursday, but crazy things can happen during conference tournaments.
Players to watch for: Ohio State's biggest star this season has been freshman Maddy Humphrey. She led the team with 32 points this season and took a vast majority of the corners for the team. Any hope of advancing to the semifinals revolves around her having a big game.
For Maryland, the key is to keep the high powered offense going and one of the key players to do that is junior midfielder Anna Dessoye. Throughout the season, Dessoye has been an efficient scorer, converting over 50% of her shots on goal. While Dessoye does not take the most shots on the team, she is crucial to the offense and will definitely be a factor in Thursday's game.
Prediction: Although anything can happen in a tournament, I believe that Maryland will win this game pretty easily. The Terps are on a roll with over ten straight wins at this point and Ohio State does not have the tools to stop them.
Game 2: #4 Penn State vs #5 Michigan State
The Spartans do not have to travel very far for this matchup against Penn State on Thursday. While their drive should be smooth, their journey to this point has not been. Michigan State went 4-4 in conference play this year and saw big wins and disappointing losses. On the other hand, Penn State went 14-4 on the season and had three of their losses come in conference play. Both of these two teams are strong and have great players, but only one can advance to the conference semifinals.
Players to watch for: Penn State has so many options offensively so it is hard to choose, but they have one of the top goalies out there with redshirt senior Kylie Licata. This season she has a goals against average of 1.32, and considering how many shots Michigan State takes, that could be a big difference maker. Licata will need to have a big game on Thursday, but with five shutouts this season she will most definitely be prepared.
For Michigan State, outshooting their opponents is key. Both Abby Barker and Allie Ahern took 70 shots each during the season. Because of that, the player to watch for is Abby Barker. The senior forward had 40 points this season in her last year as a Spartan. Look for her to have a big game on Thursday.
Prediction: Despite Michigan State having duel threat seniors that are going to test the Penn State defense, Penn State is going to win this game. Penn State has an explosive offense and a top notch defense that has impressed all season long and has truly made them one of the top teams in the nation.
Game #3: #2 Michigan vs #7 Rutgers
The host team gets to host the night game of day 1. The Wolverines went 6-2 in conference play to earn the two seed and importantly will be on the other side of the bracket of Maryland. Meanwhile, Rutgers finished their non-conference schedule strong to enter the tournament, but struggled greatly in Big 10 play. Anything can happen in the tournament, so this should be an exciting game.
Players to watch for: Leading the attack for Rutgers in this match will be junior forward Katie Champion. This season she led the team in scoring with 10 goals and was tied in assists with 6. If Rutgers wants to pull off the upset and advance, they are going to need Champion.
All season, Michigan has been led by a core group of seniors at vital to that group is Leslie Smith. Throughout the season, Smith has been crucial to the teams offense and led the team in goals with 12. Look for Smith to have a big game on Thursday and come up big all tournament long.
Prediction: Anything can happen in a single elimination tournament, and the last time these two teams met it was a close 2-1 victory for the Wolverines. That being said, Michigan is at home for the game and has been the stronger team this season, so I'm picking Michigan to win this game.
Game #4: #3 Northwestern vs #6 Iowa
This game is my pick for the most exciting quarterfinals matchup. Both teams have played solid hockey all season long and we're in for a treat on Thursday evening. Northwestern went 6-2 in conference play and was the only team to take down newcomer Maryland. Iowa on the other hand went 4-4, but demolished Penn State 4-0 recently. That adds up to a great game.
Players to watch for: For Iowa, the player to watch for is junior forward Natalie Cafone. This year she led the Big 10 in goals with 18. With a goals per game average of 1.06, odds are she's going to score in Thursday's game.
While Northwestern's offense is dangerous, their strength lies on defense. Look for senior goalie Maddy Carpenter to make the difference here. She is tied for second in shutouts in the Big 10 this year and is averaging 3.22 saves per game. I always feel that seniors tend to play their best in tournament situations, so look for Carpenter to play great on Thursday.
Prediction: Two teams that are capable of slaying giants. Iowa has a high powered offense and Northwestern has a great defense. I have to go with Northwestern in this game, but I would not be surprised to see an Iowa upset. Let's see how it turns out.
Projected Semifinals:
#1 Maryland vs #4 Penn State
#2 Michigan vs #3 Northwestern
Projected Finals:
#4 Penn State vs #2 Michigan
Projected Champion: Penn State
That is right, I am calling for a big upset. As great as Maryland has been this season (and they have truly been amazing) I have a hunch that Penn State has the right group to take them down. Anything can happen in a single elimination tournament, so let's wait and see what happens.
So what do you think? Do you agree with my picks and key players, or do you think the tournament is going to go differently? Let me know in the comments.
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