Chamberlain Championship Weekend Edition
NCAA DIVISION 1 SEMIFINALS
Maryland vs. Notre Dame
This game will be the third meeting between these ACC rivals. Maryland has been very strong on offense, especially their production out of their midfield. For Maryland to win this game, they have to be flawless in the clearing game and need a huge game from Niko Amato in the goal. For the Irish, their points off of chaos has been amazing to me. For this to continue, Notre Dame has to cause turnovers with their riding.
With riding and clearing a huge factor in this game, I’m going to take Maryland to win this contest based on their strong play of their goalie, Niko Amato and team defense who can handle the ball in tough situations. My prediction is the Terps by 3.
Duke vs. Denver
On my guest segment on WUSB RADIO on Sunday, I went out on a limb and predicted Denver to defeat Duke. I’m going to stick to my gut and go with the Pioneers to pull off the upset. I really like Zach Miller and Wesley Berg for Denver on offense as well as the two headed monster of goalies Ryan LaPlante and Jamie Faus. For Duke, there are just too many question marks with their goaltending and the injury of Josh Dionne. Dionne’s injury changes the whole dynamic of the offense. His replacement Kyle Keenan will have a huge game on Saturday, but the production of the Blue Devils second midfield will suffer. My prediction is Denver by 2.
Division 2 Championship
LIU Post vs. Limestone
The Pioneers of Post will continue their Cinderella run to the championship, by defeating Limestone on Sunday by a score of 11-10. To think that this team barely qualified for their conference tournament is amazing. Limestone has weapons all over the place with six All-Americans. The matchup to watch is between faceoff men, for the Saints Kevin Reisman and Post’s Dom Mantovani. Mantovani is hot right now for the Pioneers and for his winning streak to continue he will have to tame a very good Reisman.
Division 3 Championship
Salisbury vs. Tufts
Tufts played an excellent game in defeating RIT a week ago, while Salisbury defeated their rival Washington College. I like Tufts to continue their hot streak in May and deny Salisbury it’s 11th National Championship. My Prediction, Jumbos by 1 in a high scoring game.
Memorial Day
Let us not forget the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Take a moment this weekend between your fun in the sun and your backyard barbecues to remember the fallen.
