Division I Women
It’s Playoff Time
Get up to speed with Dustin Nelson’s women’s WCHA postseason primer
Get up to speed with Dustin Nelson's women's WCHA postseason primer
The WCHA playoffs start this weekend, featuring three teams that rank in the top four nationally. It’s yet another year where a WCHA team could grab a national championship, but with more parity in the conference this year, there’s also the chance for a significant upset.
Bemidji State’s Emily Bergland (BSU Photo Services)
After finishing third in the WCHA last year, the Beavers have taken a fall in the standings. Part of that was losing a whopping 10 seniors, including their top four points per game producers.
Coach Jim Scanlan has repeatedly noted the future is bright. However, this year has been tough. The losses may overshadow all that has gone right for young players, as well as good performances from junior forward Alexis Joyce and defenseman Madison Hutchinson.
Bemidji has their work cut out if they want to make a mark in the playoffs. They open the postseason against the Gophers.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Emily Bergland, So., F — The sophomore leads the team in points with 25. That’s a tidal shift after she put up just four points (3-1-4) in her freshman campaign. She’s a player to watch in part because she found her rhythm late in the season. She has been on a tear with points in nine of the team’s last 10 games, as well as 11 goals and four assists in the last 14 games.
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