While we have another championship game upon us in River Falls, Wisconsin. There are some notable difference from years past. However, what we do know, is it’s sure to be an electric atmosphere, and hopefully an amazing national title game Sunday afternoon.
Sunday Schedule
3:00 PM CT- #3 Nazareth (27-1-1) @ #1 UW-River Falls (29-1-0) – River Falls, WI
*NOTE: TEAM SHEETS’ DATA PRIOR TO TOURNAMENT STARTING
#3 Nazareth @ #1 UW-River Falls
Just like on the men’s side of the sport, the dominant program continues to roll, mowing through opponents. However, River Falls has been definitely tested these last two games more than some may have anticipated. Yes, winning any two NCAA tournament games is an extremely hard thing to do, but UWRF hasn’t carried the 5 on 5 play like it has in seasons past. Regardless, the fact that Coach Joe Cranston’s team continues to win at the clip it does is absolutely insane given all the high-profile games they have played. The top line has made this team go, led by Laura Hurd winner Megan Goodreau, now just one point away from tying the single-season points record of 77, held by Hurd herself. MaKenna Aure continues to drive play from the blueline in her senior season, as she’s built one of the most impressive careers we’ve ever seen from a defender.
While hosting their third-straight Frozen Four, UWRF once again got the night game on Friday, where they outlasted Amherst for the second consecutive season, this time knocking out the Mammoths in the semis. UWRF was the better team, and deserved to win, but the lethal powerplay is what won the game for the Falcons. As expected, Amherst had some moments where they couldn’t match the RF speed, took some penalties they don’t usually take, and paid for it on the man advantage. Now, the Falcons will once again have the chance to raise hardware on their home ice.
Nazareth overcame a 3-0 deficit to come back and knock off the Norwich Cadets Friday afternoon at Hunt Arena. Many thought Naz could keep it close, but many also doubted they could also get it done against an elite opponent like Norwich. Credit to this team for battling back, as they shown a tremendous amount of character, and truly played Norwich to a very even game. Shoutout to goaltender Mia Gonsalves, who has put together an incredible season, and despite not having her best game, battled back after a rough start to allow her team a chance.
As we’ve stated in previous weeks, Nazareth has been a great program since its inception, led by head coach Chris Baudo. After a few building years that were still quite successful, this team has now gotten to five straight NCAA tournaments, and after winning their first tournament game last year, have now won two in the 2026 edition. Now, in just the program’s eighth season, the Golden Flyers have a golden opportunity, to bring back a national title to Rochester, in what would be an absolutely incredible story.
Common Opponents:
Despite River Falls playing four different big-name east programs this season, we don’t have any crossover opponents to compare between these two.
- Obviously, UWRF has shown well against the east this season, going 4-0-0 against Plattsburgh, Endicott, Williams, and now Amherst.
- Despite being a young, albeit successful program, this will mark the first west team that Nazareth will play in its history.
Final Look:
I would expect Naz to try to slow the game down a bit, keeping things simple. However, I think Nazareth will be aggressive on their forecheck, as UWRF has looked a bit vulnerable in their last two games, allowing considerable zone time to both Williams and Amherst. Also, getting traffic in front of Jordan O’Kane will be key, as she has looked great in her playoffs thus far.
If I’m the Falcons, the easy key to victory, is getting Nazareth to commit penalties. Given Nazareth has been known to play physical, I’m trying to lean into that if I’m UWRF. Getting that absolutely lethal power play on the ice could be what keeps this game out of arm’s reach for Naz. If Nazareth can stay in front of the Falcons and stay out of the box, River Falls needs to be patient for their opportunities, and not be afraid to get the puck down low, and keep the puck hemmed in the Naz zone. If they start to tire them out, I think that could prove costly for the Flyers.
There’s no doubt about it: River Falls, playing at home, with a massive fanbase and elite players up and down the lineup, is the considerable favorite here. However, with the steps this Nazareth program has taken this season, one would be foolish to count out just how talented this Golden Flyer team is. Given the stakes, and the sheer amount that both of these programs are flat-out winners, I think this game will be close. If Nazareth can get out ahead, and put some doubt in the mind of UWRF, we could see even see a potential upset on our hands.
