Weekend College Games: April 22 - 25

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by USA Field Hockey

Conference tournaments are among us! With three weeks remaining in the 2020v2 college season, more and more teams are either wrapping up their season or competing in their representative conference games. Check out this action packed weekend and week of upcoming college games to follow and watch! (schedule subject to change)

Since 1975, Division I has held an NCAA Championship every year. Back in September, the NCAA approved moving the 2020 fall championships to the spring 2021, with some adjustments. The championships bracket will consist of 12 teams, nine automatic qualifiers and three at-large selections. Normally the bracket size for the championship is 16 teams. The 2020v2 Division I Semifinals and Final are set to take place May 7 to 9 at Karen Shelton Stadium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

At the end of March, ESPN and the NCAA announced the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship will be presented live on ESPN’s linear and digital networks through at least 2023. The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship semifinals and final will be available on an ESPN network for the first time since the 1987 championship, as the upcoming, rescheduled 2020 title game will be televised live on ESPNU on Sunday, May 9 in primetime at 7:00 p.m. ET. The semifinals, available on ESPN3, are set for Friday, May 7 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. ET. Additionally, the championship trophy presentation, immediately following the conclusion of the title game, will be carried on ESPN3.

The NCAA Division I Selection Show will take place Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

DII: Johns Hopkins vs. Frostburg | 12:00 p.m. ET | CC Digital Network

In a spring exhibition game, Johns Hopkins will host Frostburg in Baltimore.

This marks the Blue Jays first game of the spring, while the Bobcats have three games under their belts. Frostburg is coming off a 5-2 win over Mercyhurst.

DI: America East Tournament: Semifinals

West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth athlete celebrating a goal

#1 Monmouth vs. #4 UMass Lowell | 12:00 p.m. ET | AE.TV

Monmouth (9-2, 7-1 AE) clinched the number one seed and right to host the four-team America East (AE) Tournament in West Long Branch, N.J. The Hawks, tied No. 20 ranked nationally, will take on No. 4 UMass Lowell (7-4, 5-3 AE), who punched their ticket to the postseason after topping Stanford, 3-2. The win marked the River Hawks' program first win ever against the Cardinal. 

UMass Lowell's Berbel Rozema was named AE Offensive Player of the Week for scoring two goals and the game winner in the win over Stanford. Goalkeeper Eleonore Boekhorst earned AE Rookie of the Week honors for her seven saves in the critical win.

When these teams met earlier in the season, Monmouth took the narrow 1-0 victory.

#2 Maine vs. #3 Stanford | 2:30 p.m. ET | AE.TV

The second America East (AE) Semifinal game will be between No. 2 Maine (7-3, 7-1 AE) and No. 3 Stanford (8-2, 6-2 AE).

The Black Bears are coming off a thrilling 3-2 shootout win over UC Davis on Sunday, which clinched a share of the AE regular season title and the No. 2 seed.

The Cardinal, No. 19 ranked nationally, were faced with a must-win game on Sunday against Albany. Thanks to an overtime, game-winning goal by Corinne Zanolli, Stanford won, 3-2, and booked a spot in the AE Tournament.

These teams played just 1-week prior which finished with Maine winning a close contest, 3-2.

The AE Semifinal winners will advance to square off in the title game on Saturday, April 24 at 12:00 p.m., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: BIG EAST Tournament: Semifinals

Conshohocken, PA

#1 Connecticut vs. #4 Temple | 1:00 p.m. ET | BIG EAST Digital Network

Connecticut (9-1, 8-1 BIG EAST) earned the No. 1 seed in the BIG EAST Field Hockey Championship, presented by JEEP, after finishing with the highest winning percentage at 8-1. The Huskies, No. 7 ranked nationally, have won the championship title every year since 2012. They will face No. 4 Temple (8-9, 4-8 BIG EAST), who earned their first championship berth since 2016. The Owls surpassed last season's win total of seen and tied last season's number of shutouts.

This year's event will take place at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa.

These teams haven't played since October 2019, in which Connecticut took the game, 5-0.

#2 Liberty vs. #3 Old Dominion | 4:00 p.m. ET | BIG EAST Digital Network

The second BIG EAST Field Hockey Championship, presented by JEEP, Semifinal match will feature No. 2 Liberty (13-2, 10-2 BIG EAST) against No. 3 Old Dominion (8-4, 8-3 BIG EAST).

The Lady Flames, No. 6 ranked nationally, finished 10-2 in the league and has now qualified for the championship in each of its first five seasons in the conference. Liberty are in search of their first BIG EAST title after finishing as the runner-up in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The Monarchs, No. 16 ranked nationally, are coming off a two-win weekend over Providence, 3-0 and 2-1. Old Dominion swept the BIG EAST Weekly Accolades. Delphine Le Jeune was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week for scoring a goal and having two assists in the 3-0 win. Nicole Fredericks earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for helping hold Providence to just one goal and eight total shots on the weekend. Marlon de Bruijne was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for scoring the game-winning goal and adding two assists over the two games.

When these teams last played at the end of March, they split the series, with Old Dominion winning the first, 2-1, and Liberty taking the second, 4-2.

Winners of the BIG EAST Semifinal games will move on to the final on Saturday, April 24 at 12:00 p.m., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Big Ten Tournament: Semifinals

Iowa City, IA

#1 Michigan vs. #5 Iowa | 5:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

No. 1 Michigan (11-2, 6-0 Big Ten) defeated No. 8 Michigan State (2-14, 1-4 Big Ten), 3-1, and No. 5 Iowa (11-4, 5-3 Big Ten) beat No. 4 Maryland (8-7, 5-3 Big Ten), 3-0, to advance to the Big Ten Semifinals.

The Wolverines scored twice in the fourth quarter to surge past in-state rival Michigan State, 3-1. Michigan dominated the contest, outshooting the Spartans, 26 to 1, and out-cornering them, 6-0, but was pushed late when MSU scored in the waning minutes in the third quarter to tie the game. Michigan responded with two penalty-corner goals in the fourth quarter, scoring at 48:51 and 53:49, and did not allow the Spartans inside its defensive circle over the final 15 minutes of play.

Straight out of the gate, the Hawkeye's notched the first goal. A minute later, Iowa added another goal to give them a 2-0 start. Before half, Iowa tallied another, to boost the Hawkeye's lead to 3-0 at half. Each team had one shot a piece in the third and fourth quarters, but the Hawkeyes held off the Terrapins, claiming the victory and advancing. Iowa defender Anthe Nijziel earned Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors for leading the Hawkeyes to a top-three ranking in the NFHCA poll every week this season. Head coach Lisa Cellucci received her second career Big Ten Coach of the Year honor for heading the program to a regular season 10-4 record and 5-3 mark in conference play.

When these teams met earlier in the year they split results. Michigan took the first game 1-0 and Iowa won the second 2-1 in a shootout. 

#7 Ohio State vs. #3 Northwestern | 7:30 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

No. 7 Ohio State (6-8, 5-8 Big Ten) will advance to the Big Ten Semifinals after defeating No. 2 Penn State (7-7, 5-2 Big Ten) in a gritty and gutty overtime 4-3 win. No. 3 Northwestern (11-4, 5-3 Big Ten) beat No. 6 Rutgers (9-6, 5-4 Big Ten) to advance.

In the opening quarter, the Buckeyes made good on their second penalty corner chance to go up 1-0. Penn State equalized in the second frame just over five minutes in off a shot from the top was poked in. The third was an evenly-played quarter until Penn State tipped in a shot with less than two minutes remaining in the frame to go up 2-1. The Buckeyes started quick and scored an unassisted goal just 56 seconds into the fourth quarter. Three minutes later, a clean up rebound in front of the goal on a penalty corner gave Ohio State a 3-2 lead. However, the Nittany Lions forced the third tie of the game firing in a backhand shot and forced overtime. In the extra period, Ohio State scored the game-winner 3 minutes in off a penalty corner deflection. Mackenzie Allessie secured Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Big Ten in goals (14), points (21), shots (76), shots on goal (49) and points per game (2.70). She assisted on the game winning goal for the Buckeyes. 

Just six minutes in, the Wildcats took advantage off a penalty corner to grab the lead. Rutgers tallied the equalizer 2 minutes into the second frame off a deflection. Coming out of the half tied at 1-1, Northwestern found the back of the net three minutes into the third on a breakaway goal. Rutgers tried to come alive in the third in response and rattled off five shots but came up short. With a 2-1 advantage going into the final quarter and time on their side, the Wildcats were able to control the pace of the game. Northwestern allowed just three shots, two of which were off target and the other blocked by a Wildcat defender. Northwestern's Maddie Zimmer Big Ten Freshman of the Year after starting all 13 games and being a newcomer who scored three goals and added one assist on the season.

When these teams met at the end of March, both contests had to be decided in overtime periods. The first in a single extra frame went the Northwestern 4-3. The second went into double overtime, in which the Wildcats won 3-2.

The Big Ten Semifinal winners will advance to the title game on Saturday, April 24 at a time to be determined., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Colonial Athletic Association Tournament: Semifinals

Newark, DE

#1 James Madison vs. #4 Drexel | 12:00 p.m. ET | FloSports

James Madison (5-1, 5-0 CAA) earned the top seed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Field Hockey Championship, presented by Primis, after completing an undefeated regular season. The Dukes, tied No. 20 ranked nationally, have outscored their opponents 16 to 7 this season and have outscored conference foes 12 to 2. James Madison leads the CAA with three shutouts and the Dukes’ defense has posted the best goals-against average (1.17) in the conference this season. James Madison is seeking their fifth CAA Championship and their first since winning three in a row from 2006-08. Sophomore forward Eveline Zwager was named CAA Player of the Week for tallying seven points on three goals and an assist in their victories over Delaware and Northeastern.

Drexel (5-5, 3-3 CAA) returns to the CAA Championship field for the first-time since 2016. The Dragons are the only team in the field to reach double-digit games this season. Drexel ranks second in the CAA in assists per game (1.50) while ranking third in scoring average (1.80), saves per game (5.10), and save percentage (.718). The Dragons are attempting to claim their second CAA Field Hockey title in program history after winning the tournament most recently in 2012.

These teams played on April 2, a game that James Madison won, 2-1.

#2 William & Mary vs. #3 Delaware | 4:00 p.m. ET | FloSports

William & Mary (3-1, 3-1 CAA) makes the field for the fifth straight season. The Tribe played a conference-only slate this spring with their lone loss coming to the top-seeded Dukes. William & Mary leads the conference averaging 14.00 shots per game while they rank second in goals-against average (1.25). The Tribe is looking to get back to the CAA Championship game after winning the Championship in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2017.

Delaware (4-3, 3-2 CAA), the defending CAA Champions, have claimed six of the last seven CAA titles and look to continue their dominant run in the CAA this season. The Blue Hens come into the tournament as the highest-scoring team in the CAA this season. Delaware’s offense leads the conference in scoring average (2.86), goals per game (2.86) and assists per game (2.71). Overall, Delaware has won eight CAA Field Hockey championships which is second-most all-time in the conference. Freshman defender Julia Duffhuis was named CAA Rookie of the Week for scoring three goals in three games for the Blue Hens.

These teams played on April 11, a match that William and Mary took, 2-0. 

Winners of the CAA Semifinal games will advance to the final on Saturday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Patriot League Tournament: Semifinals

Boston, MA

#1 Boston U. vs. #4 Holy Cross | 12:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

Boston University (4-0, 4-0 PL) clinched the top seed and will host the Patriot League (PL) Spring Field Hockey Championship when semifinal action begins at New Balance Field in Boston, Mass.

The No. 1 Terriers secured the top seed with a 5-2 victory over Lehigh on Sunday. This is the fifth time that Head Coach Sally Starr, 2021-21 Patriot League Coach of the Year, and Boston University will host the championship since joining the Patriot League in 2013 and the fourth time they have gone undefeated in the regular season. Boston University has won the title four times since 2013. Senior defender Kathryn Scheerer was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week for anchoring the defensive effort in their win over Lehigh.

Holy Cross (2-3, 2-3 PL) claimed the final spot in the championship with their 2-1 victory over Colgate. Head Coach Lindsay Jackson has led her program to the League field hockey championship in four of the last five seasons. The Crusaders have won the League title three times. Freshman goalkeeper Brooke Ross was namedPatriot League Goalkeeper of the Week for making eight saves and allowing one goal in their win over Colgate. Freshman Allie McDonough was also named Patriot League Rookie of the Week for scoring her first collegiate goal.

The match between these two teams scheduled for April 11 was canceled but they did play at the beginning of the spring season, where Boston U. won, 2-1.

#2 American vs. #3 Bucknell | 5:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

American (4-1, 4-1 PL) earned the No. 2 seed in the Patriot League Field Hockey Championship with its 3-2 double-overtime win over Lafayette on Sunday. Head Coach Steve Jennings and the defending League champion Eagles have made the tournament in 20-consecutive seasons since joining the Patriot League in 2001 with 11 League titles. Senior midfielder Noor Coenen was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week for scoring two goals, including the game-winner in double overtime over Lafayette. She was also named 2020-21 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year while Georgia Davies earned 2020-21 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and goalkeeper Bryn Underwood was named 2020-21 Patriot League Rookie of the Year.

Bucknell (3-3, 3-3 PL) won their final three regular-season games to capture the No. 3 seed in the Patriot League Field Hockey Championship. Head Coach Jeremy Cook and his squad return to the four-team field for the fourth-straight season and will be in search of the program’s first League title. Bucknell has advanced to the championship game seven times.

When these teams met earlier in the year, the series was split with American winning the first game 4-0 and Bucknell taking the second 2-1 in double overtime. 

The PL Semifinal winners will advance to the title game on Saturday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DIII: Northeast Conference Tournament: Final

Lawrence, NJ

#1 Rider vs. #2 LIU | 4:00 p.m. ET | NEC Front Row

The top two finishers, based on winning percentage during the conference's regular season, were the teams determined to play in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament.

No.1 Rider (5-0, 5-0 NEC) clinched a share of the Northeast Conference regular season championship for the seventh time and will host the NEC Championship match against second-seeded LIU (3-1 NEC). LIU's Sol Espona earned NEC Rookie of the Week for recording one of two goals against Bryant.

When these teams played on March 18, Rider won the close contest, 1-0.

 

Friday, April 23, 2021

DI: Appalachian State  vs. Longwood | 1:00 p.m. ET

Both Appalachian State (7-7, 4-6 MAC) and Longwood (6-5, 4-5 MAC) will close out the 2020v2 season against one another in a two game Mid-American Conference (MAC) series in Boone, N.C.

The Mountaineers are coming off a two loss weekend to the regular MAC Title winner Miami. In the first, Appalachian State saw their four-game win streak snapped when they fell to Miami, 1-5. In the second, the Mountaineers failed to record a shot as the RedHawks went on to have five different goal scorers connect for the 0-7 defeat.

The Lancers are coming off a 2-1 win against Central Michigan on Tuesday. Both of Longwood's goals came off penalty corners, with the second coming late in the fourth quarter. The Lancers held a large edge in shots, leading in attempts by a margin of 19 to 6.

Head-to-head, Longwood won the match-up in 2019 with a 2-1 overtime victory. 

Miami action photo

DI: Ball State vs. #17 Miami | 1:00 p.m. ET

Ball State (6-8, 4-6 MAC) and #17 Miami (11-1, 8-0 MAC) will finish out the year in two Mid-American Conference (MAC) games in Indiana.

The Cardinals split results last weekend to MAC opponent Central Michigan. On Saturday despite a valiant effort on defense, Ball State suffered a 0-1 loss. They responded on Sunday, by collecting a 2-0 win, with both goals coming late in the final five minutes of regulation.

The RedHawks defeated Appalachian State twice last weekend. Both games saw an explosive offense lead Miami to both 5-1 and 7-0 wins. In the second contest, five different goal scorers contributed to the victory.

When these teams met at the beginning of March, Miami took the game, 2-1, on a decider that came in the final quarter. 

DI: Kent State vs. Central Michigan | 5:00 p.m. ET | Boxcast

To round out the 2020v2 spring season, Kent State (9-3, 7-3 MAC) will host Central Michigan (5-5, 3-4 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The Flashes are coming off a double win weekend over Ohio. In the first game, a dominant third quarter helped propel Kent State to victory. Ohio got on the board first in the second quarter, but three goals in a 5-minute span gave the Flashes the cushion they needed for the 3-2 win. The second game saw Kent State tally one in each of the first three quarters on their way to a 3-1 victory.

The Chippewas feel to Longwood on Tuesday, 1-2. Longwood scored just two minutes into the second quarter and then added an important insurance goal with just over five minutes remaining in the game.Twenty-two second after that second game, Central Michigan pulled within one, but the Lancers held on.

These teams last played in October 2019, where Kent State won, 3-2. 

 

DI: Atlantic 10 Tournament: Semifinals

Richmond, VA

VCU taking on a penalty corner

#1 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #4 Richmond | 11:00 a.m. ET | ESPN+($)

No. 1 Virginia Commonwealth (7-0, 6-0 A10) went a perfect 6-0 in conference play to win the Atlantic 10 (A10) regular season title and the South Division. The Rams went undefeated this season, finishing 7-0 overall. Offensively, VCU, No. 18 ranked nationally, is led by Janne Wetzel (4 goals, 3 assists) and Bridget McCormmick (5 goals) and the team's scoring margin (1.87) ranks seventh nationally. In the cage, Sasha Elliott has a league-best .688 goals against average over seven games, recording three blank sheets on the season. Elliott's .815 save percentage also ranks 12th nationally. For the first time in program history, VCU was ranked in the NFHCA Coaches' Poll, checking in at No. 19.

Cross town, rivals No. 4 Richmond (4-2, 4-2 A10) defeated Davidson, 2-1, on the final day of the regular season to clinch the final spot in the four-team Championship. Steffie Bongers, A10 Co-Player of the Week, scored both goals in the victory, her fifth and sixth on the season, which leads the Spiders. Olivia Frazier registered the assist on both scores, and leads the team with six helpers and 14 points. Sophomore goalkeeper Erika Latta earned A10 Defensive Player of the Week for making one save on three shots face in 45 minutes in goal.

When these teams played back on April 3, the 2-1 contest needed a shootout to decide the winner, in Virginia Commonwealth taking the game.

#2 Lock Haven vs. #3 Saint Joseph's | 3:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

No. 2 Lock Haven (4-1, 4-1 A10) won the North Division and was 4-1 in the Atlantic 10. The Bald Eagles won a pair of thrillers against ranked A10 opponents this season, first, a double-overtime victory at No. 20 Massachusetts, then a shootout victory against No. 19 Saint Joseph's. Goalkeeper Joaquina Orlandini came up big in each of those games, and owns a .88 GAA over the five games.

Lock Haven freshman Martina Spangenberg and Saint Joseph's freshman Katelyn Cocco shared A10 Rookie of the Week accolades.

No. 4 Saint Joseph's (4-2, 3-1), who were 3-1 in league play and 4-2 overall, are led offensively by Anna Miller with 12 points on five goals and two assists, and Jordan Olenginski, who added four goals and two assists for 10 points. Senior Sara Hayes was named A10 Co-Player of the Week tallied two goals on Saturday when the Hawks beat UMass, 5-4.

On April 10, Lock Haven won the close contest, 1-0.

The A10 Semifinal winners will advance to the title game on Saturday, April 24 at 12:00 p.m., playing for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Atlantic Coast Conference Automatic Qualifier

Chapel Hill, NC.

#1 North Carolina vs. #2 Wake Forest | 11:00 a.m. ET | ACCNX

For the first-time ever, No. 1 North Carolina (15-1, 9-1 ACC) will host No. 2 Wake Forest (6-10, 3-2 ACC) in an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Automatic Qualifier match.

The Tar Heels, No. 1 ranked nationally, earned the right to play in and host this game by virtue of capturing the program's fourth straight ACC title in the fall. The game is meant to pair up the fall and spring champions, but with North Carolina taking both titles the spring runner-up gets a berth. Both Wake Forest, No. 11 ranked nationally, and Boston College finished tied at 3-2 in the spring ACC play but the Demon Deacons got the nod based on the head-to-head result, in which Wake Forest beat BC, 3-0.

The two-time defending NCAA champion Tar Heels and Demon Deacons will be meeting for the fourth time this season. UNC claimed 3-1 and 5-0 wins during the fall and won by a 2-0 score in the most recent game between the teams on March 13 in Winston-Salem.

Junior forward Erin Matson was recognized as the ACC Offensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row and sixth time this season, for scoring three of the team's four goals, including the game-winner, in their 4-3 overtime win against Syracuse.

DIII: Empire 8 Tournament: Semifinals 

#2 Hartwick vs. #3 Houghton | 4:00 p.m. ET | Video

No. 2 Hartwick (3-1, 3-1 Empire 8) will host No. 3 Houghton (2-3, 1-3 Empire 8) in Oneonta, N.Y.

The Hawks are coming off a 3-0 win over Nazareth. Three goals from three different players gave the Hartwick team win number three on the season.

The Highlanders dropped their regular season finale 0-4 at St. John Fisher.

In their match-up just a month ago, Hartwick won the game 1-0.

#1 St. John Fisher vs. #5 Nazareth | 7:30 p.m. ET | Video

St. John Fisher (4-0, 4-0 Empire 8), who earned the top overall seed in the Empire 8 Tournament and home field advantage throughout, will host No. 5 Nazareth (2-3, 1-3 Empire 8) in Pittsford, N.Y.

The Cardinals swept this past week's Empire 8 honors with Bre Socker being named Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week and goalkeeper Sophia Trozzi earning Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week. Socker posted five goals in the final two regular season games last week. Trozzi finished the regular season with two shutouts, while tallying seven saves.

Behind a four goal performance from senior Emilee Rosenberg, No. 5 Nazareth defeated No. 4 Utica to advance to the Empire 8 Semifinals. Despite being outshot 8 to 5, the Golden Flyers scored three times in the first half and Utica was unable to recover. The Pioneers scored before the first half ended to make it 3-1, but Nazareth added a goal in the third and another in the fourth to preserve the victory.

St. John Fisher and Nazareth played less than a week ago, where the Cardinals won 4-0.

The Empire 8 Semifinal winners will advance to the title game on Sunday, April 25 at a time and location to be determined.

Saturday, April 24, 2021

DI: Appalachian State vs. Longwood | 1:00 p.m. ET 

DI: Ball State vs. Miami | 1:00 p.m. ET 

DI: Ohio vs. Bellarmine | 1:00 p.m. ET | YouTube

Ohio (3-9, 3-8 MAC) welcomes Bellarmine (0-11, 0-0) to Athens for a final two game series.

The Bobcats are coming off two losses to Kent State. Ohio played well in the first half scoring in the 18th minute. Kent State answered quickly out of halftime. The Golden Flashes scored three times in the third quarter to gain a two-goal lead over the Bobcats, on their way to the 2-3 loss. Kent State came out strong in the second game, tallying goals in the first and second quarters. Ohio answered in the third, but the Golden Flashes extended it to a 1-3 final.

The Knights fell to Longwood on Saturday, 1-8. The Lancers scored three goals in the first quarter on their way to the dominant scoring performance.

DII: Washington College vs. Dickinson | 1:00 p.m. ET | Video

DIII: Western Connecticut vs. Manhattanville | 1:00 p.m. ET 

DI: Kent State vs. Central Michigan | 5:00 p.m. ET | Boxcast

DII: Johns Hopkins vs. Salibsury | 7:00 p.m. ET | CC Digital Network

 
 

DI: Atlantic 10 Tournament: Final

Richmond, VA

#1 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #3 Saint Joseph's | 12:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

Top-seeded Virginia Commonwealth (8-0, 6-0 A10) beat No. 4 Richmond (4-3, 4-2 A10) to advance to the Atlantic 10 (A10) Championship game. No. 3 Saint Joseph's (5-2, 3-1 A10) defeated No. 2 Lock Haven (4-2, 4-1 A10) to move on to the Atlantic 10 (A10) Championship game for the fifth consecutive season

The Rams held most of the possession in the first quarter and despite having a 3 to 1 advantage in the shots, the game remained tied at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was a defensive battle that saw just one shot from Richmond and the teams remained tied at halftime. In the third quarter, VCU had a goal on a rebound off a penalty corner disallowed due to a foul. The Rams turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter, outshooting Richmond 3 to 1 and finally scored the game-winner off a penalty corner with just 2:27 left in the game.

The Hawks came out strong, scoring two goals in the first quarter. Lock Haven cut the deficit with five minutes to go before halftime. Saint Joseph's came out of the break on fire, scoring just 42 seconds in. Lock Haven added one back but the Hawks put in an insurance goal to claim the 4-2 win.

When these teams played in October 2019, Saint Joseph's won, 6-1.

The A10 Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: America East Tournament: Final

West Long Branch, NJ

#1 Monmouth vs. #3 Stanford | 12:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

Top-seeded Monmouth (10-2, 7-1 AE) beat No. 4 UMass Lowell (7-5, 5-3 AE) to advance to the American East (AE) Final. No. 3 Stanford (9-2, 6-2 AE) topped No. 2 Maine (7-4, 7-1 AE) to move on as they look to defend their AE Title.

The Hawks, No. 20 ranked nationally, will play in their fifth straight conference final. Just over two minutes into regulation, Monmouth found the back of the goal. UMass Lowell answered back with its only goal of the game five minutes later to even it at 1-1. In the 20th minute, the Hawks were awarded a penalty stroke, and Ireen Frenken buried it to put Monmouth ahead for good. Monmouth went on to tally two more goals in the third frame for the 4-1 win.

The Cardinal, No. 19 ranked nationally, game went down to the wire, as a Corinne Zanolli penalty stroke in the 58th minute propelled Stanford to a 2-1 victory. Stanford avenged the first of their two losses, as Maine snapped their 7-0 start last week. Stanford outshot the Black Bears 15 to 5 and owned a 6 to 2 advantage in penalty corners.

These teams met on March 21, where the close game fell to Stanford, 3-2.

The AE Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: BIG EAST Tournament: Final

Conshohocken, PA

#1 Connecticut vs. #3 Old Dominion | 12:00 p.m. ET | BIG EAST Digital Network

Top-seed Connecticut (10-1, 8-1 BIG EAST) advances to the BIG EAST Final for the 19th-straight time after defeating No. 4 Temple (8-10, 4-8 BIG EAST), 4-0. No. 3 Old Dominion (9-4, 8-3 BIG EAST) upset higher seeded-No. 2 Liberty (13-3, 10-2 BIG EAST) to advance to their second straight BIG EAST Final.

The Huskies, No. 7 ranked nationally, has now advanced to the BIG EAST Final every year since 2002 and improves to 47-11 all-time in championship play. They have won the last eight BIG EAST Titles. Although Connecticut had not played since April 4, they put up a dominant performance against Temple. They scored a goal in each of the quarters and outshot the Owls 12 to 4, and out penalty cornered 9 to 0.

The Monarchs, No. 16 ranked nationally, found the back of the goal twice in the second quarter through BIG EAST Co-Freshman of the Year Marlon de Bruijne. Liberty began a prolonged push in the second half, but Old Dominion's defense held strong to withstand the late surge for the 2-1 win.

These teams last played in the 2019 BIG EAST Title match, where Connecticut won, 2-0.

The BIG EAST Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Big Ten Tournament: Final

Iowa City, IA

#1 Michigan vs. #7 Ohio State | 12:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

No. 1 Michigan (12-2, 6-0 Big Ten) blanked defending Big Ten Champions No. 5 Iowa (11-5, 5-3 Big Ten) to move on to the Final match-up. The second Big Ten Semifinal went into overtime and in thrilling fashion No. 7 Ohio State (7-8, 2-5 Big Ten) topped No. 3 Northwestern (115, 5-3 Big Ten).

The Wolverines, No. 2 ranked nationally, used late goals in the second and third quarters and a stingy defense in the fourth to shutdown and knock off Iowa, 2-0. With the win, Michigan advanced to the Final game for the 14th time in 23 seasons as they seek their program's seventh time.

The Buckeyes have really come alive in the conference tournament, winning both of their games in overtime. After trailing 0-1 early in the fourth quarter, Mackenzie Allessie found the equalizer with just under 14 minutes to play in regulation. In the extra time, Ohio State worked possession into their offensive end and made good on the only shot in the period.

These teams did not play this season as the match was postponed. When they met in 2019, the game went into overtime where Michigan came out on top, 2-1.

The Big Ten Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Colonial Athletic Association Tournament: Final

Newark, DE

#1 James Madison vs. #3 Delaware | 1:00 p.m. ET | FloSports

 No. 1 seeded James Madison (6-1, 5-0 CAA) won a thriller overtime to beat No. 4 Drexel (5-6, 3-3 CAA) and move on to the Colonial Athletic Conference Final.

Defending CAA Champions, No. 3 Delaware (5-3, 3-2 CAA) topped No. 2 William & Mary (3-2, 3-1 CAA) to move on to their eighth straight conference championship game.

The Dukes, No.20 ranked nationally, began the scoring at the end of the first quarter. Drexel switched momentum in the second and scored two goals on two shots to take a lead. James Madison tallied two in the third to regain the lead, 3-2. The Dragons didn't let up and scored the game-tying goal within two minutes into the fourth. The sole overtime period was controlled by the Dukes, as they outshot Drexel 4 to 0 in just a little under eight minutes. On their fourth penalty corner, JMU cashed in for the game-winner.

The Blue Hens' match-up was a close one that was decided in the final five minutes of play. The lone game came off a penalty corner play that was deflected by Grace Hoepfner for the game-winner. Delaware held the shot advantage 14 to 8, and produced 6 penalty corners to the Tribes 3.

When these teams met on April 16, Delaware won the contest, 5-1.

The CAA Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

DI: Patriot League Tournament: Final

Boston, MA

#1 Boston U. vs. #3 Bucknell | 1:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

No. 1 Boston U. (5-0, 4-0 PL) defeated No 4 Holy Cross (2-4, 2-3 PL) to their seventh Patriot League title game and will look to win their fifth conference tournament since joining the league in 2013. No. 3 Bucknell (4-3, 3-3 PL) upset higher ranked No. 2 American (4-2, 4-1 PL) in a shootout to make the program's eighth appearance in the Final game.

Lead by Rebecca Janes who collected her first collegiate hat trick, the Terriers had a commanding 5-1 win over Holy Cross. Janes became the first athlete Patriot League Tournament history to notch seven points in a game.

Both teams were scoreless over the first 55 minutes of the contest. American dominated the shots category through the first four quarters, and Bucknell didn't record a shot on goal until there was 5 minutes left on the clock. The Bison's first shot on goal make it through the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. The advantage didn't last long, as less then 3 minutes later the Eagles equalized. The momentum favored Bucknell in the extra periods where they recorded nine shots to American's one. In the shootout, goalkeeper Clara McCormick stopped four consecutive American attempts as the Bison converted on two for the win.

These teams last played September 2019, that finished in a narrow 1-0 win for Bucknell.

The Patriot League Final winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

 

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Keene State athletics action photo

DIII: Southern Maine vs. Keene State | 1:00 p.m. ET | LEC.TV 

DI: Ohio vs. Bellarmine | 1:30 p.m. ET | YouTube

 

DIII: Empire 8 Tournament: Final

#2 Hartwick vs. #1 St. John Fisher | TBD ET | Video

 

Division I rankings based off of the Penn Monto/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll Week 6 (posted April 20, 2021)

For the weekly schedule, see the live stream links. Note: schedule and times subject to change.

Photo Credit: Paxton Blanchard, Steve Lochmoeller, Monmouth Athletics, Logan Whitton, Matt Woolverton/BU Athletics

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