UMD Women’s Hockey to Face UConn in NCAA Tournament

First Round matchup set for Thursday at Columbus

DULUTH, Minn.- Only two days removed from their WCHA semifinal loss to Ohio State, the UMD women’s hockey team is now focused on their first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament.

On Sunday, the Bulldogs learned they’ll be facing the University of Connecticut on Thursday at Columbus, Ohio. While it’s UMD’s fourth-straight NCAA Tournament, it’s UConn’s first-ever appearance.

“They had a great season,” says Head Coach Maura Crowell. “They were in the top 15 all along there, good goaltending good defensive group, some good speed getting up ice, so a solid team.”

If the Bulldogs defeat the Huskies, they’ll move on to face Ohio State, the top seed in the tournament. However, UMD is making a point not to focus on the Buckeyes before their game against the Huskies.

“It’s the national tournament, anything can happen, upsets happen all the time, and it’s just important that when we’re in situations like this to just be taking one step at a time,” said team captain Mannon McMahon. “So, every day, just taking it one step at a time, not getting too ahead of ourselves.”

Historically, the Bulldogs are 3-0-1 against UConn. The last time these two teams faced was on September 27, 2014, in which UMD won 3-0.