By Jordan Rinard, Senior Staff Writer
Despite a depleted roster and coaching staff due to five players and its head coach representing Team USA in Granada, Spain for the World University Games over the next couple of weeks, the No. 1 Miami University women's hockey team is taking on Ohio State University in CCWHA action in a home-and-home series this weekend.
The RedHawks (20-1-1) lead the league with 41 points, while the Buckeyes (1-16-1) are struggling mightily this season with three points.
"It's a big series for us," assistant coach Jim Stearns said. "One out of our four lines is still intact, and we'll be down to three lines. The big thing is for us to get used to playing together. We're going to need a big effort from every player and we expect a complete effort. We've been having great practices and working hard. It'll be different but we'll be fine."
Among the departures for Miami are junior defender and captain Morgan McGrath, junior center Hayley Williams, sophomore center Katie Augustine, sophomore right wing Rachael Booth, sophomore right wing Kaley Mooney and freshman defender Becca Senden. Head coach Scott Hicks will also be in Spain as an assistant coach.
"It's been a change of pace for us," junior defender Jessica Gould said. "We have more skating now, which is necessary for us to improve. We've been working on our breakouts and our lines. It's been tough, but we're working on getting used to each other."
Sophomore right wing Cassidy Guthrie and freshman left wing Carly Noble are still available this weekend for the Red and White, which is good since they have both surpassed the 20-point mark this season (Guthrie with 26, Noble with 23). Freshman forward Alyssa Vissali and freshman center Katie Baldwin both have made it over the 15-point threshold.
With sophomore goaltender Emalee Wills still in goal, the 'Hawks are in good hands. Wills has a record of 12-0-1 this season with three shutouts and a .923 save percentage.
Ohio State has struggled this season, as it has been shut out in half of its games and there are only four players on the roster who have recorded multiple goals this season. Junior forward Emilie Dunlap leads the way with three. In contrast, Miami has eight multi-goal scorers available for this weekend, with Guthrie sitting at 11.
The Buckeyes had some stellar play in goal however, as junior goaltender Emily Ciborek has a .934 save percentage.
"We have to work on our breakouts against Ohio State as well as be good on offense," Gould said. "We expect to be tired this weekend from working hard and having a short bench, but we plan to play our game and go kick some butt."
The RedHawks host the Buckeyes 8:45 p.m. Saturday before heading to Columbus for a noon showdown Sunday.
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