Women’s D-I picks: Oct. 7

Nicole and I both got off to a good start, going 20-5-2 (.777). I got one up by picking Ohio State to win a game over Rensselaer, and she got it back by picking Minnesota-Duluth to beat Boston College.

We’ve decide to pick every game again so let’s see how we do.

Friday, Oct. 7

New Hampshire at (9) Boston University
Candace: I don’t think the Wildcats have enough to threaten the Terriers. Boston University 3-1
Nicole: I expect Victoria Hanson to be a crucial part of the Terriers season and I think she blanks UNH here. Boston University 3-0

(3) Quinnipiac at Connecticut
Candace: Like Nicole, I’ll probably pick the Bobcats every weekend. Quinnipiac 3-0
Nicole: I think I’m picking Quinnipiac until they show me a reason to do otherwise. Quinnipiac 3-1

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8

(2) Minnesota at Bemidji State
Candace: Bemidji has given the Gophers fits in recent years, but I don’t think home ice is enough. Minnesota 3-1, 2-1
Nicole: The Beavers impressed me last weekend, so I think they push Minnesota, but the Gophers’ experience puts them ahead. Minnesota 3-1, 2-1 

(7) North Dakota at St. Cloud State
Candace: The Fighting Hawks looked good last week against Pennsylvania, and while St. Cloud is improved this year, I think UND gets the sweep. North Dakota 3-1, 2-1
Nicole: Both teams are finding their footing, but Crosby made some great stops last weekend. I think SCSU might be able to take one of these. I call it a split. North Dakota 2-1, St. Cloud State 1-0

Minnesota State at (6)Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: The Bulldogs are at home, and sky high after last weekend’s results against BC. Minnesota-Duluth 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: No team is more confident than the Bulldogs right now. Minnesota-Duluth 3-0, 4-1

Ohio State at (1) Wisconsin
Candace: Ohio State played well last weekend, but Wisconsin is in another league than RPI. Wisconsin 4-0, 4-1
Nicole: I underestimated OSU last weekend, but the Badgers are a much tougher opponent. I expect a closer series than in year’s past, but Wisconsin is number one and so good at home. Wisconsin 3-1, 2-0

Merrimack at (8) Colgate
Candace: The Raiders opened strong last weekend, and I think that continues. Colgate 3-1, 2-1
Nicole: Merrimack looks improved in their second year, but I’ve got Colgate as my “dark horse” pick this season. Colgate 4-2, 3-1

Northeastern at Lindenwood
Candace: Northeastern was awful last weekend. If the Lions still had Nicole Hensley, I’d pick them, but they don’t, so I think the Huskies win two close ones. Northeastern 3-1, 2-1
Nicole: Last weekend wasn’t the start the Huskies were looking for. I expect them to sweep, but for Lindenwood to keep it close. Northeastern 2-0, 3-1

Providence at RIT
Candace: Hard one to pick. Neither team looked good last weekend. RIT 2-1, Providence 2-1
Nicole: Low scoring affairs, but Providence sweeps. Providence 2-0, 1-0

Rensselaer at Robert Morris
Candace: The Engineers didn’t look great last week, and I think the Colonials get the sweep at home. Robert Morris 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: I had higher hopes for RPI opening weekend. I expect a split here. Rensselaer 3-2, Robert Morris 3-1

Clarkson vs. St. Lawrence (home-and-home)
Candace: St. Lawrence looked impressive last weekend, so I go with home ice in each. St. Lawrence 2-1, Clarkson 3-1
Nicole: The Saints impressed last weekend, scoring 11 goals and taking two from Northeastern, but Clarkson is still the odds-on favorite for the conference title. I’m taking a flyer and picking St. Lawrence to get a tie at home before losing on the away leg. Tie 2-2, Clarkson 3-2

Penn State at Union
Candace: The Dutchwomen will get a win at some point, but I don’t see it happening this weekend. Penn State 2-1, 3-1
Nicole: Penn State played Clarkson closer than I thought they would. I think they sweep. Penn State 4-0, 3-1

Saturday, Oct. 8
(3) Quinnipiac at New Hampshire
Candace: I don’t have enough faith in UNH yet. Quinnipiac 3-1
Nicole: See above. Quinnipiac 3-2

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 8-9

Maine at (5) Boston College
Candace: Boston College should come out guns blazing, and get two wins. Boston College 4-1, 409
Nicole: BC needs to bounce back, but Maine kept it close against Quinnipiac last weekend. BC gets the advantage at home. Boston College 4-2, 3-1

Sunday, Oct. 9

(9) BU at Vermont
Candace: The Terriers get off to a strong start. Boston University 3-1
Nicole: I haven’t seen enough of Vermont to pick against BU. Boston University 3-1