The Quinnipiac Bobcats (4-7, 1-3 Big East) will play host to the Providence Friars (8-6, 2-2 Big East) this Friday at 3 p.m. in Hamden. The Bobcats enter this game on a three-game losing streak needing to win their last three conference games to make the playoffs. The Friars travel to Hamden having won 5 of their last 6 games with their only loss coming to UConn who was ranked No. 5 in latest Division 1 NCAA rankings.
Players to Watch:
Quinnipiac: Elisa Van Winkel
Van Winkel, a freshman, has been tremendous for Quinnipiac in her first season in Hamden. Logging 731 minutes this year, she has scored 4 goals and an assist for 9 points on 17 shots. If Quinnipiac is going to make the Big East tournament for the first time in program history, they’re going to need their best players to be at the top of their games. That starts with Van Winkel.
Providence: Allyson Parker
Parker has started all 14 games for the Friars this season and has been crucial to their success. She leads the team in goals (6), points (16), and shots (34) and is third in assists (4). Providence is 2-2 in the Big East and is also in need of some conference wins down the stretch, so watch for Parker to try and spark her team’s offense in order to earn a major conference win on Friday.
Keys to the Game:
Quinnipiac: Score early
This Quinnipiac team most likely needs to win all three of their remaining conference games. Providence will be the toughest competitor of the three. If the Bobcats can jump out to an early lead, it would be monumental for not only winning this game, but also heading into the last two conference games with confidence.
Providence: Offense
The Friars have had 9 different goal scorers this year and that kind of offense is going to need to be on display playing against a hungry Bobcats team looking for a win. If Providence can control possession early, they can get Quinnipiac a little uncomfortable on their home turf and force them to have to adjust their game plan.
Make sure to tune in to QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac Vs. Providence from the Quinnipiac Field Hockey Stadium in Hamden, Connecticut. Connor Ullathorne and Ryan Flaherty will be on the call of the game. For live updates throughout the game, make sure to follow @QBSN on twitter.
