NEWHA’s quarterfinals went off without a single upset. Only one series went into the third game, and the No. 2 Assumption took it home in the end. While these teams haven’t had many clear season sweeps, the seeding this year proved to be spot on. Now, Assumption will face No. 3 Saint Anselm on March 4 at 3:00 p.m., followed by No. 1 Franklin Pierce and No. 4 Stonehill at 7:00 p.m.
Here’s a look into the four teams going into the semi-finals.
Assumption vs. Saint Anselm
No. 2 Assumption might have been outshot by Post 37 to 33 March 1, but it ended its third game 4-2 to advance to the semifinals. Junior goaltender Jadyn Weiser recorded 94 saves over the three games, a standout series for the junior. It will be the first time in history the Greyhounds go to the semi-finals. Kayla McGaffigan led the Greyhounds with an assist and a goal, adding to her tally of 33 points this season.
Saint Anselm took down Sacred Heart 3-2 Feb. 27 and 3-1 Feb. 28. Brooklyn Schneiderhan led in shots and notched a goal Feb. 27 but otherwise, points were divided between the skaters, showing an important depth for a team Schneiderhan has led this season with 46 points. Rookie Madison Macaulay also notched her first collegiate goal off a shot from the blue line.
Franklin Pierce vs. Stonehill
As expected, Franklin Pierce took down Saint Michael’s 8-0 Feb. 27 and 5-1 Feb. 28, outshooting the Purple Knights 61 to 19 on Feb. 28. Freshman Addison Andre was a standout for the Ravens. She notched a goal, an assist and 17 shots over the two games. It was the rookie’s 25th point of the season, making her a hopeful star for the Ravens for the coming years. Jill Hertl, who currently leads the NCAA in save percentage at .952, notched 43 saves across the two games. The strong showing from different lines should give the Ravens a leg up when facing off against Stonehill Wednesday.
Stonehill took out LIU with consecutive wins Feb. 27 0-3, and Feb. 28 4-3, with rookie Summer Combe notching one goals each day, taking her total to 10 goals. Senior Lily Barrett also took a multi-point performance with both a goal and an assist Feb. 28, for her 6th point of the season. While LIU outshot Stonehill both nights, it ultimately wasn’t able to net enough for a semifinals appearance.
While the quarterfinal rounds went off without an upset, Wednesday’s games might bring some surprises as the teams enter their first single-elimination round. The championship game will be March 7.