#2 Marquette / #3 Michigan Region
Marquette overcame a tough, rugged non-conference schedule, and then took off and rolled through the Big East Conference to secure a #2 seed. The draw is a tricky one as a second round matchup with Notre Dame looms if the Golden Eagles advance against Western Michigan. However, the home field advantage and playing at Valley Fields will be a huge bonus for Marquette.
#2 Marquette vs. Western Michigan
The Golden Eagles are led by Maegan Kelly in what is a well balanced offensive attack that can go toe to toe with anyone in the nation. Western Michigan won the MAC Conference tournament championship outlasting Ball State in the final. The Broncos are led by Rachel Chaney and Audrey Sudomier offensively, who have combined for 13 goals and 10 assists this season. Marquette should outlast the Broncos and move on to the next round.
Iowa vs. Notre Dame
This could be a dynamic opening round match. The Hawkeye had a great run to the Big Ten Conference final knocking off Michigan and Penn State. Cole Lacasse has six goals up front at forward and Melanie Pickert provides a key offensive spark with six goals and four assists despite being on the back line. Notre Dame comes in battle tested as they lost a lot of close one-goal matches in ACC play. They are led by junior Lauren Bohaboy’s seven goals and are very balanced offensive team. The key for them will be finishing their quality chances to advance on against Iowa. The ACC conference schedule should have Notre Dame ready for the NCAA tournament grind.
The Cardinals come in looking to bounce back from an early exit in the conference tournament losing to Memphis. Charlyn Corral leads the team in scoring with 13 goals. The Missouri Valley Conference champions, Illinois State, could be dangerous in this spot. They beat Marquette earlier this season and are very aggressive in their attack. The duo of Rachel Tejada and Hannah Leinert has combined for 30 goals. This match could go either way and end up as one of the most dramatic matches of the first round.
The Wolverines are a very balanced side and can beat a team by pushing the attack or by playing lock down defense. The Wolverines have allowed less than half a goal per match. Nkem Ezurike carries the torch in the attack with her 11 goals so far this season. Milwaukee is the Horizon League Champion and is led by Kristy Dorr and Kelly Lewes with a combined 19 goals; however, defense is a liability. The Wolverines should advance by virtue of their stronger defense.
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