MAINE vs. BOWDOIN

Time, site: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 6-6-2 (4-6-1 ECAC Alliance), Bowdoin 7-8-1 (6-4-1)

Key players: Maine – LW Alison Lorenz (23 goals, 12 assists), LW Alicia Gilmore (9 & 7), D Christina Hedges (12 & 7), D Allison Haley (0 & 4), G Amy Oliver (6-5-2, 3.04 goals-against average, .902 save percentage); Bowdoin – F Kacy White (10 & 5), F Amy Steel (6 & 7), D Caroline Chapin (2 & 4), D Laura Enos (2 & 3), G Kate Connelly (5-4-1, 2.97, .894)

Outlook: Maine is coming off a 6-1 win over Connecticut College after losing three straight. Ironically, Bowdoin is also coming off a romp over CC in which they prevailed 9-1. When the Black Bears and the Polar Bears met in December, Maine fell 6-3. But the Black Bears have improved, as shown by the fact Maine beat up Wesleyan 4-3 two games ago, while Bowdoin fell to Wesleyan 5-0 last week. The key to tonight’s game will be a quick start. The Polar Bears have never lost when they’ve scored first or taken a first-period lead. Conversely, Bowdoin has never won when it has trailed after the first or second period. The Bears are well poised to take an early lead after Lorenz scored just 18 seconds into Maine’s game against CC en route to her third hat trick of the season.