UMaine capsules

Women’s Basketball

MAINE vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST

Time, site: Sunday, 3 p.m.; Moody Coliseum, Dallas

Records: Maine 0-2; SMU 0-0 (played Sam Houston Friday night)

Series, last meeting: SMU leads 1-0, SMU 44-43 on 12/28/03

Key players: Maine – 5-7 G Missy Traversi (12.0 ppg, 1.5 apg, .571 3-pt. FG pct.), 6-0 F Monica Peterson (12.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, .478 FG pct.), 6-3 F Abby Schrader (12.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 5-9 G Ashley Underwood (9.0 ppg, .900 FT pct.), 5-6 G Kim Corbitt (1.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 3.5 spg), 6-1 F Bracey Barker (4.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg); SMU – 5-11 G Kendall Shead (7.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg last season), 6-2 F Sarah Davis (9.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 5-10 F Shonte Roberts (7.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-3 C Janielle Dodds (1st season), 5-9 G Joslyn Greenard (1st season)

Outlook: The Black Bears look to build off their experience against top-level talent 10 days ago when taking on the Mustangs. UMaine’s offense struggled mightily in last year’s meeting, but the Bears have shown a propensity to score this season. UMaine may experiment with some full-court pressure in the hope of creating some transition baskets, but the Bears also must play heads-up transition defense. UMaine hopes to achieve the scoring balance that has characterized its early-season play. SMU, which plays in the Western Athletic Conference, is rebuilding after going 13-15 last season. The Mustangs have only four players on the roster who played last season.

Women’s Ice Hockey

MAINE vs. PROVIDENCE

Time, site: Saturday, Sunday, 2 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 3-2-2 (0-1-1 Hockey East), Providence 4-2-3 (0-0 HE)

Series, last meeting: PC leads 15-1-2, PC 4-2 on March 20

Key players: Maine – LW Sonia Corriveau (2 goals, 4 assists), RW Kate Sunstrum (3 & 2), RW Andrea Steranko (1 & 4), C Tristan Desmet (3 & 1), LW Cheryl White (2 & 2), D Julie Poulin (1 & 1), G Rachel Gettings (3-2-1, 1.97 goals-against average, .903 save percentage); Providence – C Karen Thatcher (11 & 6), C Rush Zimmerman (6 & 8), RW Sonny Watrous (5 & 5), D Kristin Gigliotti (2 & 6), D Emily Gryp (0 & 5), LW Katelyn Laffin (2 & 1), G Amy Thomas (4-2-3, 1.97, .910)

Outlook: Eight of Thatcher’s goals have come on the power play. Maine can’t take unnecessary penalties against the Friars, whose power play is operating at 22.8 percent. Maine has to improve its power play, which is a dismal 2-for-52 (3.8 percent). Opponents have scored two shorthanded goals. Maine must find a way to neutralize the line of Kelli Doolin-Thatcher-Watrous and the Bears must also keep a watchful eye on Zimmerman. Providence is ranked 10th in the country. The Bears have to do a better job capitalizing on their opportunities. Maine scored just four goals on 84 shots in a 3-2 loss and 2-2 tie with BC last weekend. They have scored more than three goals in a game just once this season.