MAINE vs. BATES

Time, site: 6 p.m., Saturday; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 4-3-1 (3-3-1 ECAC Alliance), Bates 2-4-1

Key players: Maine – LW Alison Lorenz (13 goals & 4 assists), RW Jamie Schofield (2 & 6), LW Alicia Gilmore (4 & 2), D Christina Hedges (3 & 4), D Stephanie Gabriele (1 & 3), G Amy Oliver (2.96 goals-against average, .916 save percentage); Bates – LW Jess Roll, RW Valerie Wilson, C Corin Pennella, D Peggy Ficks, G Cil Bloomfield

Outlook: After defeating ECAC Alliance rivals Wesleyan University and Connecticut College last weekend, the Bears will be looking to extend a three-game winning streak. Bates and USM, both club teams, will give Maine a respite from league play before it faces RIT, which is tied for fourth with Maine in the 12-team league. With Lorenz, ranked second in the nation in goals per game (1.63), coming off a five-goal game, the Bears are rolling. Maine’s defense, led by Amy Oliver, who is seventh in the nation in winning and save percentage, has given up only three goals in its last three games. What’s more, the Bears’ power play that struggled at the start of the season is now ranked fifth in the nation, so Maine returns to Alfond for its third game stronger than ever.

MAINE vs. SOUTHERN MAINE

Time, site: 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: University of Southern Maine 4-5

Key players: USM – F Samantha Whitman (5 & 0), F Allison Schlegel (1 & 6), D Breanna Fortiguerra (5 & 2), D Mary Beth Collins (2 & 5), G Samantha Whitman (6.0, .894)

Outlook: USM has given up 3.88 goals a game. However, the Huskies are 3-0 when leading after one period, so if they can manage to take an early lead on Maine, they’ll offer the Bears a good test before the Bears return to league play.