Women’s D-III picks Nov. 29: Top 10 battles in tournaments highlight the weekend

Annie Katonka of Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh Athletics)
Annie Katonka of Plattsburgh leads the team in scoring ahead of the Panther/Cardinal Classic. (Plattsburgh Athletics)

Friday, Nov. 29

No. 10 St. Thomas at No. 6 Wisconsin-Eau Claire
This is just one matchup between top 10 teams this weekend, as tournaments bring in the big guns. St. Thomas is off to a solid start, but I think Wisconsin-Eau Claire is deeper, and with back-to-back wins over top 10 teams, I think their confidence and home ice will get the win. Wisconsin-Eau Claire 3-2

Saturday, Nov. 30

No. 5 Elmira at No. 6 Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Another top 10 game in the Lake Forest Invitational. Elmira looked fearsome in its first few games, but a loss to Nazareth last weekend put a dim on that shine. Wisconsin-Eau Claire will be gunning for four top 10 wins in a row, but I think the Soaring Eagles get their swagger back. Elmira 4-2

No. 7 Wisconsin-River Falls at No. 1 Plattsburgh
The first game in the Panther/Cardinal Classic will be a test for undefeated Plattsburgh, which has had the benefit of playing seven of its first eight games at home. Wis.-River Falls lost to Wis.-Eau Claire its last game out, and prior to that tied St. Thomas. Plattsburgh won’t roll, but I think the Cardinals get the win. Plattsburgh 4-2

No. 2 Adrian at No. 8 Middlebury
The country’s best offense faces the country’s best defense. Middlebury hasn’t won this tournament in a decade, and unfortunately for the Panthers I don’t think they will this time out either. Adrian looks to be the best in the country right now. Adrian 4-1