Massachusetts -Boston serves up a hearty portion of classic New England fare in hosting the seventh edition of the Codfish Bowl, beginning Thursday at the Clark Athletic Center Ice Arena.
Lake Forest, the defending champion, opted to stay at home this time around, thus guaranteeing a new victor for 2014.
The Beacons welcome first-time participant Connecticut College to the festivities, joining both Neumann and Stevenson. Coach Kristin Steele’s Camels are the lone squad with a winning record in the tournament, which has regularly been the domain of NESCAC participants.
The hosts, seeking their initial championship victory in the Codfish, have a 5-7 slate in the history of the tournament. The Beacons will kick off play in a matchup against Stevenson and one of the nation’s leading goal scorers in sophomore Mackenzie Taggart. In Thursday’s second tilt, the Camels tackle Neumann University.
Friday’s title contest begins at 4:00 p.m.
Our look.
Thursday, January 2
The Beacons defense will be up to task against Taggart and her teammates in the opener. Goaltenders Casey Schaejbe and Moe Bradley have both provided the Beacons with quality goaltending in the latter portion of 2013. Massachusetts-Boston over Stevenson
Connecticut College heads into the game with considerable advantages over the Knights. Neumann’s offensive exploits will be hard pressed to upend the strong Camels defensive scheme. Connecticut College over Neumann
Friday January 3
Consolation game: Stevenson’s offense trumps whatever the Knights can muster in response. Stevenson over Neumann
Championship: Significant victories over Colby and Southern Maine characterized a solid month of December for the Beacons. The Camels also headed into the break with the momentum in their favor, closing with a three-game winning streak. A tight, close-to-the vest, championship game is in store. Connecticut College over Massachusetts-Boston
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 2
Massachusetts- Boston (3-6-2 overall, 1-4-1 ECAC-East) vs. Stevenson University (3-7-1 Independent), 1:00 p.m.
Neumann University (2-8-0 overall, 1-5-0 ECAC-West) vs. Connecticut College (4-2-2 overall, 1-1-2 NESCAC), 4:00 p.m.
Friday, January 3
Consolation Game, 1:00 p.m., Championship Game, 4:00 p.m.
Team comparisons: (national rank) Team offense Team defense
Massachusetts Boston 1.55 (41st) 2.00 (15th)
Connecticut College 2.75 (18th) 1.50 (6th)
Neumann 1.50 (42nd) 3.40 (42nd)
Stevenson 2.45 (26th) 3.55 (45th)
Leading scorers
Massachusetts-Boston: Katie Loiselle (3-3-6), Neumann: Meghan Power (2-4-6), Connecticut College: Olivia Farrell (4-2-6), Stevenson: McKenzie Taggart (11-1-12)
