Preview: Women's Frozen Four semifinals

Gophers vs. Boston College, 5 P.M. mercyhurst vs. boston university 8 p.m. ridder ARENA • sold out Video stream at ncaa.com

Gophers at a glance: Minnesota hopes to avenge its 4-1 loss to Boston College in the 2011 NCAA quarterfinals. The Eagles scored four first-period goals that day against now-senior Noora Raty, who called it the worst game of her career. ... Amanda Kessel and Bethany Brausen are battling injuries, but both expect to play. ... Gophers captain Megan Bozek said her final college choice came down to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Boston College.

Boston College at a glance: Sophomore forward Alex Carpenter (32 goals, 37 assists) was one of 10 finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award. She and freshman forward Haley Skarupa (24 goals, 37 assists) are both on Team USA's 28-player preliminary roster for next month's World Championships. Senior goalie Corinne Boyles (1.79 goals against average) made 30 saves to lead BC over Harvard 3-1 in the NCAA quarterfinals.

Boston University at a glance: Junior forward Marie-Philip Poulin (17 goals, 34 assists) scored both goals when Canada defeated Team USA to win the gold medal at the 2010 Olympics. Poulin and Jenelle Kohanchuk (23 goals, 20 assists) each had a goal and an assist in BU's 5-3 victory over Clarkson in the NCAA quarterfinals. BU is 2-4 all-time against Mercyhurst.

Mercyhurst at a glance: Located in Erie, Pa., Mercyhurst knocked out No. 2 Cornell in the quarterfinals with a 4-3 overtime victory. Senior goalie Stephanie Ciampa is 20-1-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average. Junior forward Christine Bestland leads the Lakers in scoring with 28 goals and 43 assists. Sophomore defenseman Molly Byrne is from Plymouth.

joe christensen