Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7
William Smith at Connecticut College
These are two teams that are trying to gain traction in their conferences. Both are dangerous to higher-ranked teams. I think it’s a split. Conn. College 3-2, William Smith 2-1
Saturday, Dec. 7
No. 3 Norwich at Southern Maine
Southern Maine is a pretty good team, but Norwich is just too strong. The Cadets should win without too much difficulty. Norwich 4-1
Utica at No. 2 Middlebury
Utica already has a win over strong team, having beaten Nazareth earlier in the year. Middlebury is coming off an emotional weekend where the Panthers captured their first Panther/Cardinal Classic tournament since 2005. This feels like a trap game, but I think Middlebury will pull it together. Middlebury 3-2
Tuesday, Dec. 10
No. 5 Wisconsin-Eau Claire at No. 9 Hamline
The Blugolds are on a win streak against ranked teams. Hamline hasn’t quite pulled it together yet. These two teams faced each other a couple of weeks ago, with the Blugolds winning 4-3. Hamline will want revenge, but I think Erin Connolly will keep the Blugolds from falling. Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2-1
Wednesday, Dec. 11
No. 4 Gustavus Adolphus at No. 7 Wisconsin-River Falls
Gustavus has gotten off to a great start, going 7-0-0, while River-Falls is coming off a big win over then-No. 2 Adrian that should have the Falcons feeling confident heading into this game, especially since they are at home. I’m going with the Gusties in a tight one. Gustavus Adolphus 2-1
