Olivia Spellmire
Coming into the season, St. Thomas expected to have success, but going undefeated in the first half of the season while beating ranked teams like Wisconsin-River Falls has the Tommies and goalie Mackenzie Torpy thinking about the Frozen Four.
At the break, Olivia Spellmire examines the three Western conferences and who is performing at or above expectations.
It’s time for a midseason check-in with the women’s D-III teams in the East, including how they compare to the preseason expectations. Many of the expected top teams, such as Elmira, Norwich, and Plattsburgh,have been where expected, but there are surprises, such as Morrisville and Williams.
No. 4 Wisconsin-River Falls was knocked off by No. 7 St. Thomas, and No. 5 Elmira got back on track with a sweep of Nazareth.
It’s a light weekend of action, but Olivia Spellmire picks a few of the games, including a potential surprise involving Elmira and a tough game between Wisconsin-Eau Claire and St. Catherine.
Looking to build on its record from last year, Williams had a strong weekend against two top squads from the UCHC, getting wins against both and subsequently getting votes in the poll. However, the Ephs, led by coach Meghan Gillis, are more focused on the NESCAC playoffs.
No. 2 Plattsburgh rolled over Trinity, while No. 3 Elmira was upset by Williams and Manhattanville suffered its first loss of the year.
The last big weekend of the first half sees No. 5 Wisconsin-River Falls facing No. 9 Gustavus Adolphus and No. 7 St. Thomas, while No. 4 Norwich has a tough test with Suffolk. Olivia Spellmire picks the weekend’s games.
Nazareth is looking to take its fearsome offense and take it to the top teams in the UCHC, starting next weekend against Elmira.
Middlebury settled for a tie in one of its games with Connecticut College, and Trine upset Lake Forest. Olivia Spellmire recaps the weekend action.
Several key conference battles loom this weekend, including UMass-Boston trying to gain traction against Southern Maine and Plattsburgh facing Oswego. Olivia Spellmire picks the games.
After starting with a strong weekend against Stevenson, Manhattanville this weekend won the Codfish Bowl, and is now looking to build on its early success.
There will likely be rankings shifts, as Adrian won the Panther/Cardinal Classic Tournament by defeating Plattsburgh and Middlebury. Olivia Spellmire wraps the weekend.
Augsburg women’s hockey will have a 10-day, four-game European swing in December and early-January, a trip made possible by the support of the community.
The Panther/Cardinal Classic is worth of the NCAA tournament, as it brings together No. 1 Elmira, No. 2 Plattsburgh, No. 4 Middlebury, and No. 5 Adrian. Olivia Spellmire picks that tournament and other highlights of Thanksgiving week.
Wisconsin-River Falls won the battle vs. No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire, while No. 6 Adrian took two tough games from St. Scholastica and No. 4 Hamline split with No. 9 Gustavus Adolphus.
A battle between No. 4 Hamline and No. Gustavus is among the highlights in a weekend that sees the NESCAC start play, including a game between No. 5 Middlebury and Trinity. Olivia Spellmire picks the weekend.
Middlebury is shooting for a fourth straight NESCAC title, and a much better finish in the NCAA tournament. Madie Leidt will be one of the key cogs in that effort.
No. 3 Plattsburgh will be moving up after edging No. 2 Norwich, while No. 8 Gustavus Adolphus held off a strong challenge from St. Olaf
Conference clashes abound as Endicott and University of New England look to gain traction in the CHC, No. 9 St. Thomas faces Saint Mary’s in a home-and-home, and No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire hosts Wisconsin-Superior. Olivia Spellmire picks the weekend.