Top-ranked and undefeated Plattsburgh (N.Y.) State holds the top spot in most Division III statistical categories entering today's NCAA Frozen Four women's semifinals at Wessman Arena in Superior.
The Cardinals (26-0-2) face No. 6 Middlebury (Vt.) College (19-7-2) at 3:30 p.m. and No. 2 Gustavus Adolphus (27-0-1) of St. Peter, Minn., plays No. 5 Elmira (N.Y.) College at 7 p.m. The title game is 7 p.m. Saturday.
Plattsburgh State is seeking a third NCAA title, the first since back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008, which were won on home ice. The Cardinals rank first in scoring (4.79 goals a game), defense (1.04) and power-play efficiency (31.1 percent). Individually senior center Teal Gove of Berwick, Ontario, is first in scoring with 27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points in 28 games (and 137 points in 113 career games), and senior goalie Sydney Aveson of West Covina, Calif., (22-0-2) is first in goals-against average at 1.16 with eight shutouts. She was on the Minnesota State-Mankato roster in 2009-10 as a freshman, but didn't play for the Mavericks.
Plattsburgh State is in a ninth NCAA tournament, and seventh Frozen Four, and finished third last year, beating Gustavus Adolphus 4-3 in overtime.
The Cardinals are bidding to become the second undefeated champion in the 12 years of the Division III tournament, having won in 2007 with a 27-0-2 mark.
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Against Middlebury College this season, Plattsburgh State won 3-2 and 3-1. Middlebury College won NCAA championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Gustavus Adolphus is seeking to be the first Western school to win a Division III title. The Gusties enter the Frozen Four on a nine-game win streak, the best among the semifinalists.
Elmira College is 7-4 the last 11 games.
, although three losses were to Plattsburgh State and one to Middlebury College. Elmira College eliminated No. 4 Bowdoin (Maine) College 4-0 in the NCAA quarterfinals on the road. The Soaring Eagles won NCAA titles in 2002 and 2003.
