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Do Or Die

By DVCHC Women's Hockey, 02/16/11, 10:55AM EST

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The 2011 Playoff Bracket Is Close as they Come

Let the bracket begin. 

This weekend, Hagerstown will welcome the region's top teams as they  face off in the largest DVCHC Women's Championship to date.  The competition won't disappoint.

In DI, ANY team playing their best could potentially win the crown. 

Talented top, West Chester earned their first regular season trophy last week, undefeated in 12 games and led by the seemingly unstoppable Becky Dobson (averaging 2.7 points a game).  The Rams are closely shadowed by Delaware who allowed only 15 goals in 12 games, thanks to league leader Brie Scolaro (1.32 GAA).  Both teams are favorites to represent at the ACHA National Tournament and have received a bye through the first round. 

Though strong, the competition nipping at their heels is top rated. Defending champs UVA are hot off a 6 game winning streak and have 61 goals to their name, the most in DI.  Last year they won the cup as the 5th seed.  Their late surge has tied them with Cal U, another talented contender for ACHA Nationals.  Beyond Cal's 6 wins, the hard-working Vulcans never let any team beat them by more than 1 goal the entire season. 

American and Maryland round out the list as two scrappy squads who have struck hard at top contenders this season.  Each team averages over 2.5 goals a game and are led by strong scoring defensemen -- Emily Summers and Iris Irwin.

A game of 'six seeds of separation' shows #1 West Chester going 0-0-1-1 against #4 Cal U, who lost to #6 Maryland.  At this playoff, truly anything could be possible!  

On the DII side, defending champion Slippery Rock will return to Hagerstown after their first undefeated season.  With 66 goals and only 7 goals against, the green juggernaut is a strong contender to be the first DII repeat champ.

Villanova (2) and the U.S. Naval Academy (3) could easily stand in the way.  With benches deep in reliability, these two had about the same goals for / against before ending up TIED in the standings, matched at an impressive 6-3-1-0.  The one tie?  Against one another...  Don't miss their first post-season meeting on Saturday.

At 4th seed is success story IUP.  The Crimson Hawks haven't made playoffs in two years, but thanks to a bolstered roster (led by Abby Shaw - 19 points in 9 games), the die-hards have carved out the most wins in team history and are on their way to the big show.

ALL THE BEST to the teams this weekend.  Travel safe!


Click to See the Bracket

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