UMaine capsules

Men’s hockey

MAINE vs. MERRIMACK

Time, site: Sunday, 2 p.m.; Lawler Arena, North Andover, Mass.

Records : Maine 7-5-1 (4-4-1 Hockey East); Merrimack 4-7-3 (2-6-2)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 55-10-6; 1-1 tie on 11/22/08

Key players: Maine – RW Gustav Nyquist (6 goals, 5 assists), LW Brian Flynn (3 & 5), Chris Hahn (4 & 2), C Tanner House (3 & 3), D Josh Van Dyk (0 & 5), D Simon Danis-Pepin (0 & 4), G Scott Darling (5-2-1, 1.24 GAA, .950 save pct.); Merrimack – LW Chris Barton (4 & 5), RW Pat Kimball (4 & 4), D Karl Stollery (2 & 5), C Rob Ricci (4 & 2), C Jesse Todd (2 & 3), D Joe Loprieno (1 & 2), G Joe Cannata (2-1-3, 2.15, .928)

Outlook: The Warriors will be rested since their last game, a stunning 4-3 upset win at New Hampshire last Saturday. Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy benched regulars Francois Ouimet, J.C. Robitaille and Grant Farrell and it paid off. Merrimack didn’t have a senior in the lineup against the Wildcats. The Warriors had scored just one goal in each of its three previous games including a 2-1 loss and 1-1 tie at Maine. Northeastern tipped Maine 3-2 in overtime Friday night. Merrimack uses a passive 1-2-2 forecheck and is very effective. But, being at home, expect the Warriors to be more aggressive. Maine will have to attack the net and get its shots off quickly because the Warriors are good shot-blockers. Special teams will be vital.

Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. DELAWARE

Time, site: Sunday, 1 p.m.; Carpenter Center, Newark, Del.

Records: Maine 2-4, Delaware 3-3

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 17-4, Delaware 73-53 on 1/25/01

Key players: Maine – 6-2 C Samantha Baranowski (11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, .511 FG pct.), 5-11 G/F Tanna Ross (8.7 ppg, .538 3-pt. FG pct.), 6-0 F Brittany Boser (7.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.000 FT pct.), 5-6 G Kristin Baker (6.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 7.0 turnovers/game), 6-0 F Samantha Wheeler (6.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 5-9 G Amanda Tewksbury (4.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg); Delaware – 6-0 G Tesia Harris (12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 5-10 G Vanessa Tabongo (11.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.1 spg), 5-9 G Corinthia Benison (8.2 ppg, 2.0 apg, 2.3 spg), 6-2 F Danielle Parker (7.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6-1 F Arlene Jenkins (6.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg)

Outlook: The Black Bears expect some carryover after Wednesday’s thrilling 54-52 victory over Robert Morris. UMaine played stellar first-half defense in its matchup zone, then survived a second-half rally by the Colonials by executing late. UMaine’s biggest shortcoming has been turnovers (24.8 per game), but it continues to work on consistency and continuity. Delaware, of the Colonial Athletic Association, also is rebuilding with a young team. The Hens, who left America East in 2001, are coming off a 7-24 season. Delaware snapped a three-game losing streak with Thursday’s 64-45 victory at Maryland Eastern Shore. The Hens are a strong defensive squad, giving up about 55 ppg.